Turtle Nests in Malta & Gozo

During summer Malta and Gozo may be host to turtle nests.
These nests are often made by loggerhead turtles as they are the most common species in our waters.

When such nests are found the general 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.

The public is encouraged to immediately report of any observations of turtle activity to ERA on over the phone (22923500), through ERA’s customer care system, or directly to Nature Trust Malta (NTM).

Volunteers are also often required by NTM during the nesting period so as to help with monitoring and other tasks related to this turtle nest.

Note on loggerheads:

The loggerhead turtle (Maltese: il-fekruna 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).

2023 – Turtle Nests:

Ramla l-Ħamra (Gozo)
- - An Emergency Conservation Order has been issued and may be found in the Government Gazette issued on the 27.06.23. (See page 5)

Gnejna (Malta)
- - An Emergency Conservation Order has been issued and may be found in the Government Gazette issued on the 07.07.23. (See page 15)

2024 – Turtle Nests:

Ir-Ramla tal-Mixquqa (Golden Bay)
- - An Emergency Conservation Order has been issued and may be found in the Government Gazette issued on the 18.06.24. (See page 4)
Għajn Tuffieħa (Relocated to Ir-Ramla tal-Mixquqa (Golden Bay))
- - An Emergency Conservation Order has been issued and is available here (Notice 859).
Ir-Ramla l-Ħamra (Gozo)
- - An Emergency Conservation Order has been issued and is available here (Notice 915).
Għajn Tuffieħa (Relocated to Ir-Ramla tal-Mixquqa (Golden Bay))
- - An Emergency Conservation Order has been issued and is available here (Notice 725).
Il-Ġnejna
- - An Emergency Conservation Order has been issued and is available here (Notice 948).
Ir-Ramla l-Ħamra (Gozo)
- - An Emergency Conservation Order will be issued accordingly.
Ir-Ramla tal-Mixquqa (Golden Bay)
- - An Emergency Conservation Order will be issued accordingly.