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 13th 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 01st 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
Following three days of hatching, the first turtle nest which was found at Golden Bay on 15/06/24 has fully hatched.
The nest was excavated today by ERA, Nature Trust Malta (NTM), and a qualified Veterinary to assess its status. A total of 44 turtles hatched successfully. This marks the first hatching of this record-breaking season, with seven more nests expected in the coming weeks.
Darrin Stevens, Director for Environment & Resources said that;
‘This hatching serves as an essential reminder of the important role played by dedicated NTM volunteers and ERA officials in their conservation efforts and collaboration in protecting this endangered species. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all volunteers! and reminded the public to always respect wildlife and their habitats when enjoying our beautiful beaches’.
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.
13 August
It’s definitely nesting season for the loggerhead turtle at our beaches! We are delighted to share that in the early hours of this morning the 8th Turtle nest of the season was confirmed at Ir-Ramla L-Ħamra (Gozo). After the turtle had safely laid it’s eggs, checks of the turtle’s microchip found that this turtle is the same which had laid nest six this year.
ERA on call officers immediately went on site to ensure that the nest is protected.
The public is reminded that if a turtle is spotted during a nesting attempt, no interactions with the turtle are to be made, as noise and light may scare the turtle away and a potential nest may be lost as a result. One should also immediately report the sighting.
ERA thanks the public for their support and co-operation, and NTM who are supported by ERA to conduct animal rescues and rehabilitation around the Maltese islands.
For those who wish to report turtle activity – Call ERA (2292 3500) or NTM (9999 9505).
For those who wish to volunteer – Contact NTM on [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 & https://era.org.mt/turtle-nests-in-malta-gozo/.
9 August 2024
Starting off the day with exciting news – a record number of concurrent nests and most confirmed and protected nests in a single season!
At 3am this morning the seventh turtle nest for this season has been confirmed at Ir-Ramla tal-Mixquqa.
After an Ecological Monitor spotted the turtle and noted that the eggs had been safely laid, Nature Trust Malta checked the turtle’s microchip and found out that it was the same turtle which had laid the fourth nest earlier this year.
ERA on call officers immediately went on site to ensure that the nest is protected.
This season is definitely an active one for this endangered species, which brings celebratory news for biodiversity protection!
The public is reminded that if a turtle is spotted during a nesting attempt, no interactions with the turtle are to be made, as noise and light may scare the turtle away and a potential nest may be lost as a result. One should also immediately report the sighting.
ERA thanks the public for their support and co-operation, and NTM who are supported by ERA to conduct animal rescues and rehabilitation around the Maltese islands.
For those who wish to report turtle activity – Call ERA (2292 3500) or NTM (9999 9505).
For those who wish to volunteer – Contact NTM on [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 & https://era.org.mt/turtle-nests-in-malta-gozo/.
2 August
In an event held by The Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) on the 24th of July, participants from the Malta Pollinator Monitoring Scheme (MPOMS) were awarded certificates of recognition for their valuable work throughout last year’s sessions. During the ceremony “The Protected & Alien Trees in Malta – An Identification Guide” was launched. This identification guide forms part of ongoing efforts to safeguard Malta’s natural heritage and biodiversity.
Malta Pollinator Monitoring Scheme (MPOMS) Ceremony
This initiative began in May 2023 and aims to invite the public to monitor bees, butterflies, and hoverflies across three selected sites: Manikata, Buskett, and Delimara, whilst enhancing participants’ knowledge of pollinators.
These sessions provided participants with valuable hands-on experience in the field of pollinator monitoring. Citizen scientists received training from experts, enabling them to support the development of national pollinator records and contribute to the long-term establishment of the MPOMS.
Following the success of last year’s sessions, monthly sessions are being repeated this year and will run until October 2024.
The MPOMS will also serve as a valuable starting point, offering insights that will inform the development of the National Strategy and Action Plan for Pollinators (NSAPP) up to 2035 which intends to act as the national framework that drives and promotes the safeguarding of pollinator species and their services through several short and long-term actions.
The ceremony acknowledged the participants dedication and commitment to enhancing Malta’s understanding and protection of pollinator species through their contributions as citizen scientists during these session.
“The Protected & Alien Trees in Malta – An Identification Guide”
In conjunction with the MPOMS ceremony, ERA launched “The Protected & Alien Trees in Malta – An Identification Guide.” This comprehensive guide is designed to simplify the identification of tree species in Malta, including both protected and invasive trees. It serves as an invaluable resource for both enthusiasts and professionals and supports the legislative framework outlined in the Tree and Woodlands Protection Regulations, 2018.
The guide categorizes tree species into three groups:
This user-friendly guide aims to enhance the understanding and protection of native trees and woodlands, supporting Malta’s conservation efforts.
ERA is dedicated to safeguarding Malta’s natural environment through various conservation initiatives and public engagement efforts. By promoting sustainable practices and raising awareness, ERA strives to protect and enhance the island’s rich biodiversity for future generations.
For more information about the MPOMS initiative or to obtain a copy of “The Protected & Alien Trees in Malta – An Identification Guide,” please visit ERA’s website.
25 July
ERA is pleased to note that the sixth turtle nesting site of this season was spotted at Ir-Ramla l-Ħamra(Gozo). The turtle was seen coming ashore just after 8pm tonight.
ERA officers are on-site, and together with nature trust malta (NTM) they will cordon off the area to ensure that the nest is protected. ERA will continue supporting NTM in order to ensure the protection of the nest. An Emergency Conservation Order will be also issued.
The general public is reminded that it is essential that if a turtle is spotted during a nesting attempt, no interactions with the turtle are to be made. The public is encouraged to act responsibly as excessive noise, trampling and light close to the nesting area may pose a threat to turtle eggs and any hatchlings.
ERA would like to thank the public for their support and co-operation during such events, and encourage the public to immediately report of any observations of turtle activity to ERA phone (2292 3500) or through its customer care system, or directly to NTM (9999 9505).
Volunteers will also be required by NTM during the nesting period so as to help with monitoring and other tasks related to this turtle nest. Those who wish to volunteer, are kindly asked to send an email on [email protected] for more information.
NTM are supported 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.
For further information, please refer to era.org.mt & https://era.org.mt/turtle-nests-in-malta-gozo/.
28 July
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