ERA is pleased to note that the fifth turtle nesting site of this season was spotted at Ġnejna last night by a member of the public. An ERA official recorded this exciting occurrence on the spot.This year, the country has seen a record number of concurrent nests, with five current active nests at Golden bay, Ġnejna and Ramla l-ħamra.
ERA officers immediately went on site and together with nature trust malta (ntm-fee) they cordoned off the area to ensure that the nest is protected. ERA will continue supporting NTM and the relevant stakeholders 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/.
19 July
