On the 20th of June a marine turtle laid a number of eggs at Il-Gnejna which MEPA said was the first confirmed sea turtle nesting event in Malta after a century, although other unconfirmed records of such events have been reported from other beaches in the last 50 years.

A turtle nest site watch Coordination team set up of MEPA, MRRA, Mgarr LC, Police, San Lucjan Centre and Nature Trust Malta developed a roster to ensure that the the nest site is continually monitored by at least two volunteers at any one time.

Now a Turtle Cam has been set up, which was made possible thanks to sponsors: Cursor Ltd provider of the webcam, GO Plc for the 3G and MEPA for the batteries.

Nature Trust (Malta) appeals to all to visiting Gnejna to respect the code of conduct near the site.

Hatchlings are disoriented with artificial lights and whoever attends this event cannot use any such lights ( we can also explain further the issues) ;

– this means there should be no usage of mobiles, torches, cameras (even on mobile) and /or other artificial lights- This is a very critical issue;

– The lights of cars bring parked in the car park can shine on the nest itself, especially in the lower part of the car park- so it is advisable

that one is very careful or parks in the upper areas, with lights pointing in the fields… not towards the sea ;

– there should be no sounds as hatchling’s can easily be distracted;

– people also need to be careful where they step…, since though the passage is cordoned off – this risk can still exist;

– no dogs and/or other pets are allowed in the area during this event- same issues as for the ECO apply;

– MEPA has appointed a camera person to film the event with Infrared and this will be available later;

– Hatchings though so cute and so ‘touchable’ should not be touched (if touched this can have a negative impact for their survival);

– the hatchlings should be allowed to crawl unhindered to the sea;

– fishing will be stopped in the bay and movements of boats will only be allowed when the hatchlings have made it out of the bay.

Nature Trust Malta thanks everyone all for respecting the above and for their full cooperation.

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