Following the discovery of a turtle nesting site at Ramla l-Ħamra in Gozo an emergency conservation order (ECO) has been issued by the Environment and Resources Authority.
This ECO may be viewed here.
Any observations of turtle activity or environmental illegality should be immediately reported to ERA on 22923500 or ced.nature@era.org.mt or to Nature trust Malta (NTM-FEE) who are sponsored by ERA to conduct animal rescues and rehabilitation around the Maltese islands.
Note on the species:
The loggerhead turtle (Maltese: il-fekruna l-komuni), scientifically known as Caretta caretta is a long-living, slowly maturing marine species that inhabits tropical to warm temperate areas. This species is classified as globally endangered by the World Conservation Area (IUCN) and is also protected by various national and international legislation. Capturing, killing, taking, and trading these turtles, as well as the deliberate disturbance of these species, particularly during the period of breeding, rearing and migration, is prohibited and subject to legal action. Even the destruction of eggs or taking of eggs from the wild is strictly prohibited and constitutes a criminal offence. In fact, the national ‘Flora, Fauna and Natural Habitats Protection Regulations’ impose a minimum fine of nearly €500 and going up to nearly €2400 for each egg that may be destroyed or taken from the wild. The area where the loggerhead turtles has laid its eggs is also a protected area under the Environment Protection Act (Cap. 549) and a Natura 2000 site through the EU Habitats Directive.
22 July 2022
