The Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta, Maltese: il-fekruna tal-baħar) regularly nests in Maltese beaches. The same nesting sites could be potentially used by other marine turtle species.
Not all the areas on our coasts are suitable for the nesting, and in some cases female turtles end up choosing inappropriate areas in which to lay their eggs – which may be subject to flooding and storms.
In these cases, to ensure a better chance of hatchling survival, the nests may be relocating to a safer zone. The translocation process is a delicate procedure that requires precise timing and the highest care.
For this reason, the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA), in collaboration with Nature Trust Malta (NTM – FEE) developed a Code of Practice to standardise a protocol for the translocation of turtle nest in Maltese beaches.
The document offers criteria to enable quick decision-making that would be crucial for the success of the nesting. It also provides information for the excavation, transportation and relocation of the nest in order to minimise the disturbance to the eggs.
