Two loggerhead turtles named Katusu and Edel, rescued earlier this year where released today at Gnejna Bay in the presence of 90 students who adopted turtles through the ‘Adopt a Turtle’ campaign run by Nature Trust (Malta).

As part of the FEE programmes, EkoSkola students and students who adopted turtles had the opportunity to attend workshops that were manned by different experts coming from MEPA’s Life project- Migrate, Wasteserv, IOI-Kids and from the AFM. 17 students participating in the Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE) programme were also present and actively interviewed and reported on the turtle release.The event was held by Nature Trust (Malta) in conjunction with the Malta Environment and Planning Authority, The Malta Aquaculture Research Centre (San Lucjan) and St Simon Vet Clinic.

The two turtles had been found one was rescued by the AFM and named Katusu, while Edel was rescued by Mr S. Micallef while out with his boat.

Both turtles had to undergo rehabilitation due to their extensive injuries before being released back into the sea. Members of Nature Trust (Malta) wildlife Rescue under the coordination of Veterinary Surgeon Dr Anthony Grupetta looked after these turtles while under his medical care.

Nature Trust (Malta) Executive President said that this was a celebration of how the public, the authorities and NGOs can work together to save biodiversity. Thanks to awareness campaigns more people are aware of what one has to do and not do when coming across injured wildlife. It was important that such animals are passed on to people who know what has to be done and therefore increase the success rate to save such animals.

Mr Attard added that all the Wildlife Rescue Team Volunteers are trained on handling and giving First aid to wildlife and are covered by the relevant Mepa permits since they are handling protected species. He thanked all those that supported the activity especially MEPA, Dr Grupetta for his dedication, MARC and the Mgarr LC

A representative from MEPA’s Environment Protection Directorate said “The rehabilitation and release of turtles back to their natural environment is part of the value chain in the conservation and protection of turtles. Although legislation is important, educational awareness is the most powerful tool we possess to safeguard these marine species and this and other similar events provide us with an opportunity to increase the awareness and further educate the public to participate in turtle conservation projects such a LIFE+ Migrate.”

He added “This project which is being coordinated by MEPA in collaboration with KAI Marine Services (a Spanish organisation) and the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Environment and Climate Change, as well as Bank of Valletta, is currently carrying out studies on the status of the population of the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) and of the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) in Maltese waters. The project is also seeking to identify potential hotspots, through the use of boat-based observations, which were carried out periodically and through collection of related data on a voluntary basis from interested stakeholders such as fishermen and the public.”

Dr Anthony Grupetta as the Vet responsible for marine Turtles said that since the beginning of this rehabilitation programme in 2001, 170 turtles have been received alive by Torri San Lucjan with the help of all concerned, including MEPA, volunteers of various NGOs mainly Nature Trust and many interested private individuals. The programme has had a very good success rate as 108 turtles have been released alive which means 63.5% of the turtles received alive were sent back into the environment.

“The two turtles being released, have been in our custody and care since July and September and both had to undergo treatment.

“Katusu had ingested metal objects including washers and his stomach had to be cleared and the lesion on his flipper cleaned and treated. He has also developed metabolic problems and in fact has been receiving supplementary treatment including vitamins to overcome this situation.

“Edel was found entangled in September and had to be released of all the nets and nylon that was restricting it and then kept on for observation to make sure that it all its muscular movements were not impaired and that it could swim and dive well. These two turtles were lucky as they have been found in time for us to take remedial action and grant them a second chance in life.”

Dr Grupetta said that “others have not been so lucky and I cannot but mention a huge male turtle which we named Johann that was found in August with a harpoon bullet head wound in its head. All the treatment that we applied kept this magnificent specimen alive for just over a month but the infections and complications arising from the harpoon wound unfortunately took over and Johann passed away. It is amazing how in today’s world we still have individuals who take pleasure in causing harm to animals.”

The Minister for Sustainable Development, Environment and Climate Change Leo Brincat said today’s occasion is not only about the release of these two turtles but also on recognising the importance of nature conservation and the awareness raising. “When we speak about biodiversity we are not referring to something abstract but on all that is living around us including the release of the species we are having today.”

“While acknowledging those who today are showing their efforts to help save these turtles one needs to also consider research in order to better their conservation status which also include our legal obligations to protect them. The Cities convention today remains as strong as ever to protect such species even though it was agreed more than 40 years ago,” Minister Brincal concluded.

The NGO urges the public to report any injured wildlife to Nature Trust (Malta), MEPA or Animal Welfare. The Wildlife Rescue numbers are 99999505, 99422085 and 99422086.

Donations for the upkeep of the turtles and the building of the new Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre at Xrobb l-Ghagin are welcome.

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