However no nesting activity of this species has been noted in Cyprus or in the Mediterranean. Exploitation of turtles in the Mediterranean, from the beginning until about the middle of this century has decimated turtle populations. Very large numbers of turtles were shipped from the Eastern Mediterranean to Europe where there was a large demand for turtle soup. Man's encroachment on turtle nesting habitats in the Mediterranean is now threatening turtles in this sea. The intensive use of beaches, for tourism and recreational purposes, deprives them of their nesting grounds.
Some turtles drown or are killed when caught in fishermen's nets or on long-lines.
Turtles and especially the Green turtles are, as a result, on the verge of extinction in the Mediterranean. In 1976 a project was conceived how to help the Marine turtles of Cyprus. Two years later, in 1978, the project was launched by the Fisheries Department. It includes a seasonal station and a hatchery at Lara. The Cyprus Government finances the project.