Loggerhead turtles, a species classified as “vulnerable” by the IUCN, are recovering nesting ground in the western Mediterranean. In recent years, the Valencian Community has seen an increase in the number of nests, an increase associated with conservation improvements and action environmental education and scientific monitoring, as well as a increased nesting and releases.
In this context, 36 Caretta caretta hatchlings have returned to the sea on the beach of La Marina (Elche) after almost a year of care at the Oceanogràfic Foundation of Valencia. The little turtles, born in 2024 from two nests located in Arenales del Sol, have participated in the Head Starting program, which aims to strengthen their survival during the most critical stages of life.
Released in La Marina: 36 specimens return to the sea
The liberation act brought together Schoolchildren from CEIP La Marina, neighbors, visitors and volunteers from the Oceanogràfic Foundation, as well as municipal representatives. The event, open to the public, served to underline the importance of marine conservation and bring the work behind each release closer to the public, just as when Two loggerhead turtles return to the sea after their recovery.
The City Council emphasized the local commitment to the protection of the coast and its biodiversity: it was emphasized that lively and healthy beaches They are the basis for emblematic species such as the loggerhead turtle to continue using these coasts to nest and develop.
A year of care at the Oceanogràfic
For twelve months, the offspring received specific feeding, environmental control (temperature, water quality, and light) and ongoing veterinary care at the Oceanogràfic facilities. This support reduces the high natural mortality rate in the first few months and prepares them for life in the open sea, similar to other cases such as the Hatching of 38 chicks in Es Cavallet.
According to the project coordinator, the Head Starting approach allows the survival rate exceeds 90% at this early stage, which increases the likelihood that a significant proportion of the individuals will reach adulthood and contribute to future reproduction.
Elche, a nesting enclave in the western Mediterranean
The Elche coast was consolidated in 2024 as a point of interest for the species, with Two nests detected in Arenales del Sol in mid-June and a few days later in the same area. These findings reinforce the municipality's ecological importance within the Valencian Community's beach network.
The Environment area valued the work of surveillance, citizen notification and technical response This has been carried out for years. Collaboration between the administration, scientific organizations, and volunteers ensures that nests are managed effectively each season and births are maximized.
Conservation challenges and long-term horizon
The loggerhead turtle faces multiple threats: loss and degradation of nesting beaches, pollution and plastics, accidental catches in fishing gear and the effects of climate change, which alter incubation conditions and, with them, the sex ratio.
With the release of these 36 specimens, it is expected that a portion will return to the Elche coast in about 20-25 years to spawn, thus closing the natural cycle. Meanwhile, the continuity of conservation programs and social involvement will be crucial to sustaining the positive nesting trend.
The day left a hopeful image: 36 loggerhead turtles reclaiming the sea After a year of care, the support of the educational community, and the technical work of the Oceanogràfic Foundation, in an action that strengthens the role of Elche and the Valencian Community in the protection of this emblematic species.
