This turtle nesting season, which started on the 1st of May, is really proving to be a great year…and are already up to 5 known loggerhead nests on our beaches. Wildlife Rescue Team, said Nature Trust – FEE Malta

The season is far from over, as it runs to mid August, so there is still time for further nests. With this in mind, the NGO is putting out an urgent call for volunteers to help watch over the nests in both Gozo and Malta.

The first nest of the season was laid at Golden Bay on Saturday 14th June and the same mama turtle actually returned to nest at Gnejna just last week. This was ascertained because once she was ready and making her way to the sea, the Wildlife Rescue Team scanned her and detected the microchip number assigned to her.

In all, so far, there is one nest at Ramla Bay in Gozo, three at Golden Sands and the latest know one at Gnejna in Malta.These nests were discovered during routine night patrols or early morning patrols of sandy beaches across the Maltese islands. Once a nest is confirmed, a protective enclosure is set up by ERA.

Wildlife Rescue Team, Nature Trust – FEE Malta volunteers watch over the nests to protect them and raise awareness with the public about turtles and the dangers they are encountering. During the night they also continue to patrol the beaches for further nesting turtles.

As the volunteers guard the nests 24/7 and continue monitoring for nesting activity at several beaches, many volunteers are needed throughout the summer. Training is provided accordingly.

During night patrols, the Wildlife Rescue Team said that they always try to talk to everyone on the beach and give instructions on what to do/not to do if one sees a turtle coming up to nest.They stressed that it is also important not to leave sand castles or holes in the sand as these are obstacles for the mother turtles, who are somewhat clumsy on land.

“It is an incredibly magical moment to witness the nesting process. No noise or flash photography is allowed. Night vision cameras are used to watch the turtle without disturbing her,” the volunteers said.

For anyone planning to enjoy the beach at night, it is simple to adapt torches/flashlights by fixing a red plastic filter on it – the red light does not disturb any turtles which are planning to come up and nest next to you, the NGO said.

They explained that a nest normally takes around two months for the eggs to incubate and the hatchlings are ready to come out. Helping to protect the nest will give a better chance to hopefully see the little hatchlings emerging from the nest. “This is an amazing experience to see the tiny hatchlings making their way in to the sea and start their arduous journey.”

Did you know that the estimated survival rate for baby sea turtles to reach adulthood (approx 20 years old for Loggerheads) is only 1 in 1000, so every single nest is precious.

Anyone wishing to volunteer with any of the nests, kindly send an email on turtle.naturetrust@gmail.com for Golden Sands and Gnejna in Malta and on turtle.ramla@gmail.com for Ramla Bay in Gozo.

Wildlife Rescue Team, Nature Trust – FEE Malta said that “volunteering is in itself very rewarding but as a bonus you will get to make a lot of new friends with common interests too. We are all passionate about sea turtles and work together as a team to try and help this amazing species.”

Photos NTM} Turtle nesting as seen through night vision camera on 18th July, turtle nesting at Golden Sands on 15th June and turtle nest at Ramla Bay, Gozo

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