Watch: Johanna the Turtle’s second nest at Ramla Bay Gozo, started to hatch last night, with around 50 hatchlings making their way out to sea.

Johanna laid this nest on the 29th of June and her third on the 15th of July. Next came Turtle Angela, who laid her nest on the 28th of July.

Nature Trust FEE-Gozo section said that over the last few days, Johanna’s second next had been showing signs that the pipping and hatching process had started.

Yesterday at around 7pm, the first hatchling could be seen resting just underneath the surface of the sand. Over the course of 10 hours, around 50 hatchlings made their way safely to the sea. This nest will continue to be monitored for the coming nights, NTM said.

Johanna’s first nest, which was laid on the 18th of June, started hatching on the 7th of August, with 26 hatchlings recorded.

NTM expressed its thanks to all the volunteers on duty, as well as ERA – Environment & Resources Authority officials for their help during the hatching process.

It said that the footage was taken by a night vison camera bought through a project supported by the Ministry for Gozo and Planning’s NGO Scheme, a funding programme for Voluntary Organisations on the Island of Gozo. No white light was used, only red light when necessary.

The Environment and Resources Authority said that “these moments are precious – and so is your help. It said that if you’re visiting Ramla Bay:

Keep noise to a minimum

Avoid bright lights near the nesting area

Follow instructions from on-site volunteers.

“Thanks to everyone supporting this incredible journey from sand to sea, said the ERA.

Photo: ERA and video Nature Trust-FEE Malta and Gozo Section

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