Category: Press Releases

Following months of dedicated efforts, the 2024 turtle nesting season has successfully concluded.

Today, Nature Trust Malta (NTM) and the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) opened the final nest, Nest 7, which did not yield hatchlings due to natural factors.

Despite this, the season has been highly positive, setting new records for turtle conservation in Malta. A total of eight nests were confirmed — more than in any previous year — resulting in 594 eggs and 406 hatchlings.

These outcomes highlight the ongoing success of conservation initiatives, and the strong results offer encouragement for future nesting seasons.

Number of Nest	Location	Hatched	Total no. of Eggs	Total no. of Hatched	Total no. of Unhatched
1	Golden Bay	Yes	68	44	24
2	Golden Bay*	Yes	74	60	25
3	Ramla Bay	Yes	88	81	12
4	Golden Bay*	Yes	64	46	18
5	Gnejna Bay	Yes	75	47	28
6	Ramla Bay	Yes	93	61	32
7	Golden Bay	No	56	/	56
8	Ramla Bay	Yes	76	67	9

* These nests were originally found in Ghajn tuffieha however had to be translocated to Golden Bay as their position posed significant risk to their survival.

Such high nesting numbers and successful nests are an ode to the hard work being carried out by ERA and other entities including NGOs such as Nature Trust Malta.

We would once again like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all entities involved, and the public for their cooperation and support throughout this season.

8 October

In a surprise event, we are happy to announce that the eighth nest has fully hatched. This nest was the last found this season however it has hatched early and has produced a total of 67 hatchlings.

Nest eighth which was found at Ramla l-hamra on the 08/08/24, was carefully opened by ERA, Nature Trust Malta (NTM), on the 28/09/24.  The nest held a total of 76 eggs with 67 successfully hatching.

ERA CEO Kevin Mercieca said that ‘This season is definitely one to remember, with just over 400 new turtles released into the wild so far.  In line with its mission, ERA is putting all its efforts for wildlife conservation, to improve Malta’s environment for a better quality of life. ERA will continue to support Nature Trust in its wildlife rehabilitation project and is committed to provide resources for wildlife protection, especially in relation to species that are in danger of extinction such as the loggerhead turtle. This work has also raised public awareness on the importance of sea turtle conservation, and I am positive that the public will join ERA in this celebration of having a record season.’

As we move toward the hatching of the last nest for this season (Nest 7 at Golden bay) ERA continues to support NTM in protecting turtle nests and conducting other animal rescues and rehabilitation around the Maltese islands.

28 September

The National Biodiversity and Action Plan (NBSAP) for 2030 has been published, laying out a clear strategy to tackle biodiversity challenges and protect the environment.

Building on the success of the 2012–2020 plan, which exceeded its targets by 11%, it highlights key progress in areas like communication, land and marine protection, policy development, and the use of EU funds for major environmental projects.

Minister for the Environment, Miriam Dalli, said, “This plan is our commitment to safeguarding Malta’s natural heritage for future generations. Together, we can ensure a sustainable and biodiverse country,” adding that collaboration across government and society is essential to achieving these ambitious goals.

The NBSAP 2030 includes 22 targets and 79 actions aligned with global and EU biodiversity goals, covering everything from ecosystem restoration and genetic diversity to climate change and sustainable agriculture.

CEO of the Environment and Resources Authority Kevin Mercieca stated, “This strategy is a culmination of significant hard work and aims to continue on the success of the previous strategy. The work must now continue through collaboration with other entities to ensure that good results are achieved.”

More information on the NBSAP 2030 may be found here.

The full document may be viewed here.

20 September

We are happy to announce that the Sixth nest has fully hatched. It has produced a total of 61 hatchlings.

Nest six which was found at Ramla Bay in Gozo on the 28/07/24 was carefully opened by ERA, Nature Trust Malta (NTM), on the 13/09/24.  The nest held a total of 93 eggs with 61 successfully hatching.

ERA continues to support NTM in protecting turtle nests and conducting other animal rescues and rehabilitation around the Maltese islands.

Following yesterday’s news of the fourth nest hatching, we are happy to announce that the fifth nest has also fully hatched. It has produced a total of 47 hatchlings.

Nest five which was found at Gnejna on the 18/07/24 was carefully opened by ERA, Nature Trust Malta (NTM), on the 09/09/24.  The nest held a total of 75 eggs with 47 successfully hatching.

ERA continues to support NTM in protecting turtle nests and conducting other animal rescues and rehabilitation around the Maltese islands.

Following weeks of turtle related news, we have now crossed the halfway point for hatchings this season. The fourth nest has fully hatched and has produced a total of 46 hatchlings.

Nest four which was found at Ghajn tuffieha on the 16/07/24 but had to be moved to Golden Bay to ensure its safety was carefully opened by ERA, Nature Trust Malta (NTM), on the 08/09/24.  The nest held a total of 64 eggs with 46 successfully hatching, one of these 46 was still in the nest and was safely guided to the sea.

Following these successful operations Aimee Brincat the Director for Regulatory Affairs said that ‘‘Such operations are only made possible through the hard work of ERA officers and Nature trust. Their unwavering commitment and sacrifice during these times, where they need to carry out work at odd hours of the day and with little to no warning in advance, is commendable. This is a clear commitment to save this critically endangered species.’’

ERA also extends its thanks to the public for keeping in line with directions aimed at protecting the nesting site and the hatchlings. ERA continues to support NTM in protecting turtle nests and conducting other animal rescues and rehabilitation around the Maltese islands.

The third turtle nest of 2024, discovered on July 13^th at Ramla Bay in Gozo, has successfully hatched after three days of anticipation.

Today, the nest was carefully opened by our team from ERA, Nature Trust Malta (NTM), and a dedicated vet to see how many hatchlings made their way into the world. Out of 88 eggs, 81 turtles hatched and began their journey to the sea, 12 of which were still in the nest. With five more nests expected to hatch soon in this record-breaking season.

As these little turtles make their way out to sea, we’re asking everyone to be extra careful around the nesting sites. If you’re lucky enough to witness a hatching, please avoid using lights or flash photography, and keep noise to a minimum.

A big thank you goes out to the public and our amazing volunteers for your support and dedication this season. Your help is making a real difference in protecting our wildlife.

ERA continues to support NTM in protecting turtle nests and conducting other animal rescues and rehabilitation around the Maltese islands.

31 August

Following three days of hatching, the second turtle nest of 2024 found on 01^st July 2024 and has now fully hatched.

This nest was originally found in Għajn Tuffieħa but had to be translocated to Golden Bay as it was laid too close to the sea and at risk of being lost.

The nest was excavated today by ERA, Nature Trust Malta (NTM), and a qualified VET to assess its status. The nest held a total of 74 eggs, 60 of which hatched successfully, 25 of which were still in the nest. Locally this marks the first hatching of a translocated nest. Six more nests are expected in the coming weeks of this record-breaking season.

We urge that a higher degree of caution is exercised close to the nests during this increasingly sensitive time.  Should the public be present during a hatching event no lights or flashes are to be used and noise is to be kept to a minimum.

ERA also thanks the public and the volunteers for their cooperation and efforts this season. ERA supports NTM to conduct animal rescues and rehabilitation around the Maltese islands.

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Total ta’ 60 fekruna faqqsu mit-tieni bejta ta’ 2024!

Wara tlett ijiem ta’ attivita fil-bejta, issa faqset għal kollox it-tieni bejta tal-fkieren li nstabet fl-1 ta’ Lulju 2024.

Din il-bejta oriġinarjament instabet f’Għajn Tuffieħa iżda kellha tiġi mmexxiha għar-Ramla tal-Mixquqa peress li kienet viċin wisq tal-baħar u f’riskju li tintilef.

Il-bejta ġiet skavata illum mill-Awtorita’ għall-Ambjent u r-Riżorsi (ERA), Nature Trust Malta (NTM), u veterinarju kwalifikat sabiex issir evalwazzjoni tal-istat tagħha. Il-bejta kellha total ta’ 74 bajda, 60 faqqsu, u 25 minnhom kienu ghadhom ma’ harġux mill-bejta. Dan jimmarka l-ewwel okkażżjoni fejn faqset bejta li kellha tiġi mmexxiha. Sitt bejtiet oħra huma mistennijja fil-ġimgħat li ġejjin ta’ dan l-istaġun li fih inkisru ir-rekords.

Inħeġġu li jiġi eżerċitat grad ogħla ta’ prekawzjoni qrib il-bejtiet matul dan iż-żmien aktar sensittiv. Jekk il-pubbliku jkun preżenti waqt li qeda tfaqqas bejta, m’għandu jintuża l-ebda dwal, u l-istorbju għandu jinżamm kemm jista’ jkun baxx.

L-ERA tirringrazzja wkoll lill-pubbliku u lill-voluntiera għall-kooperazzjoni u l-isforzi tagħhom dan l-istaġun. L-ERA tappoġġja lil NTM biex twettaq salvataġġi u rijabilitazzjoni tal-annimali madwar il-gżejjer Maltin.

23 August 2024 

The Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) regularly carries out inspections to monitor Maltese seas and beaches, so as to safeguard the environment, particularly in areas that are protected by environmental laws. In addition, the Authority immediately takes action whenever it receives related reports on its emergency number, that is available every day.

As has already been reported on the Authority’s social media page, a slime patch was reported in Hondoq ir-Rummien Bay, part of which touched the sandy beach in the same location. As ERA has already stated, once the source was identified, it immediately coordinated a clean-up operation in consultation with the Gozo Ministry and the Qala Local Council, where the Federation of Fish Farmers was requested to collect the slime and clean up the oil on the sand. This work, which has been ongoing for several days, is being carried out by the Federation of Fish Farmers, at their expense and under the supervision of ERA officials.

ERA is also considering action through administrative fines on the fish farm operator for breaching the environmental permit conditions that led to this episode. These conditions are included in environmental permits in order to limit environmental damage.

It is worth noting that this type of action is done for every case that the ERA investigates.

ERA is committed to protecting the environment by taking immediate action with polluters, as it has done in recent days.

ERA continues to prioritise the inspections carried out by the Authority’s officers and invites the public to get in touch whenever they notice any contamination, on 2292 3500.

17 August