Following reports that a loggerhead turtle nested at Ramla Bay, the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) officials went on site and confirmed that eggs had been laid and proceeded to assess the situation to decide on immediate measures that are to be put in place to ensure that the nest is not endangered in any way.

The Ministry for the Environment, Climate change and Planning and ERA are working jointly, in close collaboration with Nature Trust Malta, the Ministry for Gozo and the Malta Police Force.

The eggs will be monitored, and an Emergency Conservation Order will be issued by ERA to ensure more direct protection to the nesting area. Excessive noise and trampling in the nesting area and unnecessary artificial lighting in the area pose a danger to turtle eggs and any hatchlings which may emerge.

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

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.

30 May 2020