Beachgoers in Villajoyosa had some unexpected company on Sunday, 23 August, when around 70 baby loggerhead turtles emerged from a hidden nest on El Torres beach.
Nobody had spotted the nest during the incubation period. A young beachgoer discovered one of the tiny turtles on the sand and quickly raised the alarm.
Local Police and the 112 emergency service then activated the wildlife protection protocol. Specialists from the Oceanogràfic in Valencia and the NGO Xaloc travelled to the beach to investigate.
The specialists found the nest, checked the surrounding area and searched inside for any remaining hatchlings.
Most of the turtles headed straight for the Mediterranean
The team counted around 70 loggerhead turtle hatchlings, scientifically
known as Caretta caretta.
They released most of the baby turtles directly into the Mediterranean from El Torres beach.
However, specialists took around ten of the smallest turtles to the Oceanogràfic in Valencia. The young turtles will now join a conservation programme that aims to improve their chances of survival.
Why some of the baby turtles are staying in Valencia
The Oceanogràfic will care for the turtles through a conservation programme known as ‘head-starting’.
Specialists look after young turtles in a controlled environment during their first months of life. This gives them time to grow and develop before they return to the sea.
The programme aims to give the turtles a better chance of surviving the particularly vulnerable early stage of their lives.
Villajoyosa mayor Marcos Zaragoza said the discovery highlighted the natural value of the municipality’s coastline. He also thanked the beachgoers and local residents who helped the specialists carry out their work.
Councillor for Beaches and the Environment Carlos Soler said the discovery also serves as a reminder that beaches are living ecosystems that need protection.
The council thanked the young person who spotted the first hatchling and alerted the authorities. It also praised other beachgoers for keeping their distance while the specialists worked.
What should you do if you find a sea turtle?
If you spot a sea turtle, hatchling, possible nest or turtle tracks on a Costa Blanca beach, don’t touch the animal or interfere with the nest.
Keep your distance and avoid using bright lights or camera flashes.
Most importantly, call 112 immediately. The emergency service can then alert the appropriate specialists and activate the wildlife protection protocol.
Bridging the Gap recap
- Around 70 loggerhead turtles hatched on El Torres beach in Villajoyosa on Sunday.
- A young beachgoer spotted the first hatchling and alerted the authorities.
- Specialists released most of the baby turtles directly into the Mediterranean.
- They took around ten smaller turtles to the Oceanogràfic in Valencia.
- The Oceanogràfic will care for those turtles before eventually returning them to the sea.
- If you find a turtle, hatchling, nest or turtle tracks on a beach, keep your distance and don’t touch anything.
- Avoid lights and camera flashes and call 112 immediately.
