The coast of Dénia has once again been the scene of a natural event of great ecological significance. During the early hours of Sunday, July 12, a loggerhead sea turtle ( Caretta caretta ) chose one of the municipality's beaches to lay her eggs, adding another milestone to the turtle nesting season in the Valencian Community.
The alert was received via the 112 emergency number around midnight, allowing for the immediate activation of the response protocol. A team of specialists traveled to the site to protect the nest and ensure the safety of the eggs, in an operation coordinated by local authorities and marine conservation volunteers.
A new nest on the beach of Dénia
The female, which had not been previously recorded in the area, was named Mona, in honor of the recently deceased Lebanese conservationist Mona Khalil. The nest was located on the sand next to the Hotel Los Ángeles and contained a total of 96 eggs. Following established protocol, ten of these eggs were transferred to the Oceanogràfic aquarium in Valencia for controlled incubation, while the rest remain on site under observation to complete their development naturally.
Dénia, a benchmark in nesting
With this latest discovery, Dénia has now recorded 13 sea turtle nests this season, a figure that solidifies the Dénia coastline as one of the most important nesting sites in the western Mediterranean . The recurring presence of specimens like the well-known loggerhead turtle Diana , which has visited the coast on numerous occasions in previous years, demonstrates the growing trend of this species choosing Valencian beaches for reproduction.
Experts highlight that the increase in nesting events in recent years is a positive sign for the conservation of the loggerhead turtle, an endangered species. However, they emphasize that public cooperation is essential to protect these nests . If a sea turtle appears on the sand or if suspicious tracks are found, it is advisable to keep your distance, avoid using lights, and immediately call 112 so that specialized teams can act without interference.
In this way, Dénia continues to demonstrate its commitment to marine biodiversity, combining the work of volunteers, local institutions, and research centers like the Oceanogràfic. The nesting season is not yet over, and everything indicates that the Dénia coastline will continue to witness new episodes of this fascinating natural cycle.
