La Marina’s turtles were the focus of attention on 7 October when 36 young loggerheads were released into the sea.
The turtles spent a year under the care of the Oceanogràfic Foundation in Valencia. The loggerheads hatched in 2024 from two nests found last summer on the Elche coastline. They have since been part of a programme, which raises hatchlings in controlled conditions before returning them to their natural habitat.
La Marina’s turtles released on World Habitat Day
The release, which drew plenty of visitors, was timed to coincide with World Habitat Day. Among those attending were pupils from La Marina Primary School, the mayor Pablo Ruz, and volunteers from the Oceanogràfic Foundation.
La Marina’s turtles being released back into the sea.
“The sea should not be an empty space, but full of life,” confirmed the mayor.
“Today we reaffirm Elche’s commitment to protecting our coastline and the creatures that live along it. The return of turtles is proof that our beaches remain natural and healthy and is something worth defending.”
Summer of 2024 milestone
The summer of 2024 marked a milestone for the region. It placed Elche among the key nesting sites for loggerhead turtles in the Valencian Community. Two nests were discovered in Arenales del Sol, one in mid-June and another just days later.
Over the past year, the hatchlings were cared for at the Oceanogràfic in Valencia. They received special diets, environmental monitoring, and regular veterinary checks.
“We are witnessing a historic moment,” said Beatriz Domínguez, coordinator of the Oceanogràfic Foundation. “Each year we’re seeing more nests along our coast. Thanks to this programme, survival rates in the wild now exceed 90%. It means these magnificent animals have a real future here.”
The mayor added, “For years we have invested in conserving our coastline. Now we are seeing the results. More turtles returning, more life in our seas. We will continue this commitment because Elche’s future, environmentally speaking, looks very bright indeed.”
