32 turtle hatchlings have finally made it to the sea at Ramla Bay.

Earlier this morning, the Ramla l-Hamra nest in Gozo was excavated in the presence of the NTM Wildlife Rescue Team Malta vet Dr Gruppetta, and ERA – Environment & Resources Authority officials. This is the applicable procedure and was 48 hours after the first hatchings were noticed at the weekend

It was found that the nest contained a total of 88 eggs, out of which 48 were not fertilised.

The Team said that out of the 40 that were fertilised, 32 hatched successfully over the previous nights. This means that out of the fertilised eggs, there was an 80% hatch rate.

The nest at Ramla, the first for the year, was first discovered by Gozo volunteers on the 18th of June

NTM Wildlife Rescue Team Malta said that “all this would not have been possible without the amazing volunteers helping in monitoring the area and increasing awareness with the public.”

“We would also like to thank all the staff at Rose’s Ramla Bay , and Paul who helped pitch in to protect the nest during the bad weather,” the team said.

NTM Wildlife Rescue Team Malta also thanked the ERA – Environment & Resources Authority and the Ministry for Gozo for their support.

The ERA said that 2 turtle nests have been reported in Maltese beaches this summer with the second nest being reported in Gnejna on 25 June.

Last year, only 1 turtle nest was recorded at Ramla l-Hamra but the nest was unsuccessful due to several factors, including inclement weather conditions.

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 (including its hatchlings), 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.

ERA works with Nature Trust Malta and other organisations to ensure the protection of turtles and other marine life in Maltese waters.

Since its establishment, ERA has been funding Nature Trust Malta to assure the adequate interventions for the rescue and care of injured wildlife.

The public can report injured wildlife by calling NTM-FEE Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Unit on on +356 9999 9505 or ERA on 22923500.

For more information, follow ERA and the Wildlife Rescue Team Malta on Facebook and Instagram.

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