Today the last know turtle nest was dug up at Għadira Bay following a successful incubation period. This nest yielded a further 10 hatchlings thus bringing the nest’s total to 71 hatchlings and bringing this year’s turtle nesting season to a successful close. This summer Malta and Gozo hosted 7 nests, 3 of which went unreported up until the time of hatching.

Regrettably, the nest found at St Thomas Bay, Marsaskala and the first reported nest at Għadira Bay were mostly unsuccessful due to various factors:

      • In the case of St Thomas Bay – the low success rate can be mainly attributed to the trampling which occurred on the nest site. The site was unfortunately located in a central part of the beach, thus being exposed to heavy foot traffic. This situation demonstrates what can occur if a turtle nest is not properly protected through legal and physical on-site measures such as cordoning. In this instance protection was not given to the nest as it was not reported, hence proper measures could not have been put in place.
      • In the case of the first reported nest at Għadira Bay – the low success rate can be attributed to the heavy rainfall which was experienced nearing the end of the incubation period. The location of the nest on the beach was susceptible to flooding due to its elevation and its proximity to the path through which rainwater is discharged to the sea. While measures in the form of sandbags and gullies were put in place to mitigate possible impacts of the rain, the nest only yielded a total of 17 hatchlings.

When summed up, the nests yielded a total of 320 hatchlings, resulting in the most successful turtle nesting season in local recorded history.

ERA would like to thank NTM, the Ministry for the Environment, Climate Change and Planning (MECP) and all volunteers who contributed their time to achieve the protection of this species and the strengthening of marine biodiversity in Malta. ERA also thanks all other entities that contributed to this achievement.

A video of the Golden Bay hatching event is available here.
A video of one of the Għadira Bay hatching events is available here.

(Photo and Video Credits: ERA/Mark Zammit Cordina)

9 October 2020

The turtle nest at Għadira bay that was recorded in July so far yielded 16 hatchlings which emerged from their marked nest at around 9:30 yesterday evening after a successful period of incubation. The nest will be monitored over the next couple of days as further hatchlings are expected to emerge.

Nature Trust – FEE Malta (NTM) and volunteers who were present, immediately informed the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) of the event taking place and took action on the ground to guide hatchlings safely to the water’s edge.

Hatchlings are naturally attracted to moon light shining on the sea surface and their first response, upon emerging from the eggs, is to swim towards light. In view of this, ERA kickstarted its planned response to reduce disturbance from artificial light or any physical barriers at the bay so as to ensure that the hatchlings’ first journey is a successful one.

ERA would like to thank NTM, Ministry for the Environment, Climate Change and Planning (MECP), all volunteers who contributed their time to achieve the protection of this nest and the strengthening of the marine biodiversity in Malta. ERA also thanks all other entities that cooperated in this event.

23 September 2020

Għadira Turtle Nest Hatching

Photo/Video by ERA/Mark Zammit Cordina

The United Nations General Assembly has designated today, 7th September, as the International Day of Clean Air. To commemorate this important day, the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) would like to reiterate its commitment towards air quality around the Maltese islands and continue raising awareness on the importance of clean air.

ERA monitors air quality every day through a network of diffusion tubes around the Maltese islands and through near real time monitoring stations in specific locations – Żejtun, Attard, Msida and Għarb. Data gathered through this equipment shows that Malta experiences the same challenges as other Member States with road traffic being the main source of air pollution. The COVID19 pandemic was an extraordinary situation in terms of air quality – Msida station experienced a drop of 50% in nitrogen dioxide levels – a marker of emissions from road traffic.

In an effort to further increase awareness and instigate change, ERA has developed the “Malta’s National Air Pollution Control Programme” – a policy that focuses on traffic measures. This policy, which is intended for key stakeholders, including the citizens, encourages the use of sustainable mobility which is key to address the situation. ERA also engages in direct promotion of citizen science activities such as the “Fair with Air” initiative which addressed school children and included air monitoring activities in schools throughout the last scholastic year.

7 September 2020

Following reports of multiple spray-painted arrows appearing at the Majjistral Park and other areas in the Maltese Islands, the Environment & Resources Authority (ERA) has worked together with the Police Force on an investigation to identify the offenders.

Once identified, this morning ERA enforcement officers and the Police made the responsible party prove that the markings and signs made, which were sprayed as directional aids for a series of races, were removable by water. The event organiser, which is a French organisation, has been instructed to remove all its signs by Friday night and it is cooperating. The complete removal of these signs will be assured by the Environment & Resources Authority (ERA) together with the Police Force and with the Majjistral Park rangers in relation to signs within that Park.

Further action will be considered if the signs are not removed within the stipulated timeframes.

To avoid future instances the organisers have been informed on the proper practice to be followed when organising such events.

ERA would like to recall that organised activities within protected areas under the Environment Protection Act (Cap. 549) may require a prior permit from the Authority and organisers are encouraged to consult with ERA to determine whether a permit for their activity is required.

For further information or enquiries, one can refer to https://forms.eraportal.org.mt/customercare or contact ERA by telephone on
2292 3500.

In the case of permitting related queries or permit submissions kindly communicate via e-mail on [email protected]

26 August  2020

About 50 turtle hatchlings have emerged from the turtle nest at Ir-Ramla tal-Mixquqa (Golden Bay) this night, after a successful period of incubation.

The Environment and Resources Authority (ERA), together with Nature Trust – FEE Malta (NTM) and volunteers, are on site to ensure appropriate protection to the hatchlings and to guide them safely to the water’s edge.

Hatchlings are naturally attracted to moon light shining on the sea surface and their first response, upon emerging from the eggs, is to swim towards light.

ERA would like to thank NTM, the Ministry for the Environment, Climate Change and Planning (MECP) and all volunteers who contributed their time to achieve the protection of this species and the strengthening of the marine biodiversity in Malta. ERA also thanks all other entities that cooperated in this event.

23 August 2020

Photos – Mark Zammit Cordina/ ERA

At around 9.00pm on Monday 10th August, a turtle was reported nesting at Għadira Bay in Mellieħa, adjacent to the third reported nest. Officers from the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) and Nature Trust Malta (NTM‐FEE) who were on site confirmed the sighting and the new nest, which was then cordoned off to protect the eggs.

ERA will continue working in close collaboration with Nature Trust Malta (NTM‐FEE); the Ministry for the Environment, Climate Change and Planning (MECP); and other public and private entities, as applicable. To this end, the provisions currently listed in the present Emergency Conservation Order (ECO) will be extended to safeguard both nests.

Excessive noise, trampling and light close to the nesting area may pose a threat to turtle eggs and any hatchlings.

This is the fourth reliably confirmed loggerhead turtle nest this year. Malta is currently hosting three nests, whilst 85 eggs hatched between the 2nd and 4th of August from the first nest at Ramla l-Ħamra in Gozo.

ERA would like to thank the public for support and co-operation. Any observations of turtle activity or environmental illegality should be immediately reported to ERA on 9921 0404 or [email protected].

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.

For further information, please refer to era.org.mt

11 August 2020

4th Turtle nest - Ghadira - 10.08.20 - Photo by: Jacques Azzopardi
4th Turtle nest - Ghadira - 10.08.20 - Photo by: Jacques Azzopardi

The Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) launched its Marine and Beach Clean-Ups reporting facility during a beach clean-up organized by the Saving Our Blue campaign run by the Ministry for the Environment, Climate Change and Planning (MECP).

This web-based delivery service will enable coordinated data gathering related to waste collected through organized marine and beach clean-ups around the Maltese islands. This data will help the Environment and Resources Authority in their scientific evaluations.

This service is easily accessible to all clean-up organizers via the new ERA website – era.org.mt. Anyone organizing a clean-up is urged to fill in this form or simply visit era.org.mt > outreach > citizen science > Marine and Beach Clean-ups.

The launch of this new service comes spot on with the timing of the Saving Our Blue Campaign’s various clean-up initiatives for summer 2020, during which large amounts of cigarette butts and microplastics are being collected from local beaches. Examples include clean-ups held at Rinella Bay, Golden bay, Ramla Bay and Għajn Tuffieħa Bay.

ERA together with the Ministry for the Environment, Climate change and Planning are engaging the public through the Saving Our Blue Campaign to increase the fight against marine litter and the negative impacts of using single-use plastics. The campaign seeks to address these challenges by educating and engaging citizens, collaborating with NGOs and the private sector and encouraging a unified call to action that can support national movements to influence change. For more information, follow the Saving Our Blue Campaign on Facebook and Instagram.

7 August

Following tense days at the Ramla l-Ħamra turtle nest site, turtle hatchlings pleasantly surprised those at the bay when they emerged from their marked nest during the night/in the early hours of this morning, after a successful period of incubation. Nature Trust – FEE Malta (NTM) and volunteers who were present, immediately informed the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) of the event taking place and took action on the ground to guide hatchlings safely to the water’s edge.

Hatchlings are naturally attracted to moon light shining on the sea surface and their first response, upon emerging from the eggs, is to swim towards light.

ERA would like to thank NTM, the Ministry for the Environment, Climate Change and Planning (MECP) and all volunteers who contributed their time to achieve the protection of this species and the strengthening of the marine biodiversity in Malta. ERA also thanks all other entities that cooperated in this event.

2 August 2020

The Environment and Resources Authority has launched a new website, which is geared towards further enhancing and simplifying user interaction on environmental matters and information.

The new website, era.org.mt, features an improved search engine, new e-tools such as the new payment gateway for fines, permit applications, live air quality monitoring, access to Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), the Malta Environment Platform & Services (MEPS) which is a new geoportal featuring the latest environmental information, e-forms, a new customer care platform and further educational audio-visual material. A new ‘Citizen Science’ section has also been developed in order to enable citizens to submit and review data on marine litter, clean-ups and biodiversity.

ERA encourages everyone to visit era.org.mt and make use of the new features.

The Authority would also like to take this opportunity to remind the public that any acts on the environment may be reported to ERA via telephone on 2292 3500 or on [email protected] 

1 August 2020

Following late night reports of a turtle nest at Għadira Bay, officers from the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) and Nature Trust Malta (NTM‐FEE) went on site and confirmed the nesting. While on site, ERA officers immediately cordoned off the area to protect the nest. The area is currently being monitored.

ERA is assessing the situation to decide on immediate measures that are to be put in place so as to ensure that the nest is not endangered in any way. ERA will therefore work in close collaboration with Nature Trust Malta (NTM‐FEE); the Ministry for the Environment, Climate Change and Planning (MECP); and other public and private entities, as applicable.

An Emergency Conservation Order (ECO) will be issued by ERA to ensure more direct protection to the nesting area. As for other turtle nests, excessive noise and trampling in the nesting area and unnecessary artificial lighting pose a danger to turtle eggs and any hatchlings.

The Environment and Resources Authority notes that this is the third reliably confirmed nesting of loggerhead turtle this year. This is the first time on record that Malta is hosting 3 nests simultaneously.

ERA is calling for the public’s collaboration in reducing impacts to such nests and that any observations of any turtle activity or environmental illegality should be immediately reported to ERA on 9921 0404 or [email protected]

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.

For further information, please refer to era.org.mt 

30 July 2020