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September is upon us. Kids and their parents are back at school or at work, glad to be reunited with old friends. September is also a happy time for the SAD-AFAG (Underwater Research Society-Mediterranean Seal Research Group). It is their 16th birthday! They are very proud of all they have achieved in this time. But these 16 years are only the beginning of their long task ahead. Back in 1987, they set off on this path, ready to make all the sacrifices they had to to achieve their dream. They knew what they wanted and they worked hard to make it happen. One project followed another. Now in 2003, the SAD-AFAG has accomplished many of their aims. I am sending you a letter from my friend Yalçın. Yalçın is a member of the AFAG who has been working to save the seals in Foça. He is also one of the founders of the AFAG! Since his days at university, he has been in love with the sea. And now, his baby is 16 years old! Happy birthday my AFAG friends!
Sleepyhead
"...Time flies. Back in 1987, we were just a bunch of young people with a dream. The AFAG was set up as a part of the METU Underwater Society. Up to 1991, we laid the foundations for our fight to protect the Mediterranean seal in Turkey. We worked hard to set up a national strategy. In 1991, we began to give informative seminars to friends at METU. By the end, we had a core team of 10 people. In 1993, we began our first long-term conservation project in Foça, with the support of the WWF. Others followed. Our team grew. Everyone gave their heart and soul to the task. We joined forces with the Underwater Research Society when it was set up in 1994. Over the past 16 years, we have worked to create an understanding of the importance of conservation among the Turkish people. We have come far in 16 years, joyfully witnessing the birth of baby seals and sadly facing the deaths of others. We hope to continue our successful work, with the support of the Turkish people..."
