The appearance of a large leatherback turtle On the sand of Santa Comba beach, in the parish of Covas (Ferrol), it surprised those who were strolling in the area this Sunday. The stranding, visible to the naked eye due to its considerable size, generated excitement among neighbors and onlookers, as it is an unusual occurrence on this coast.
The specimen showed obvious injuries on the shell and skull fractures, indications consistent with a collision with a vessel. After the initial warning, the incident was placed under municipal responsibility and reported to the Coordinator for the Study of Marine Mammals (Cemma) for further investigation. technical monitoring.
What is known about the discovery
According to measurements made on site, the animal reached approximately 3,13 meters long by 1,85 meters wide, figures that place it among the largest specimens seen in this area. The biologist from Ferrol Xan RodrÃguez Silvar, a member of the management team of the Ferrol Natural History Museum, noted that this is one of the largest individuals he remembers and that these strandings, although rare, are not unusual.
The presence of Dermochelys coriacea It is not common in Galician waters, but there is documentation of occasional appearances both in the open sea and near the coast. This record adds to the already known cases and helps to better define the species' distribution in the northeast Atlantic.
Damage and possible causes
The body presented blows to the shell and head fractures, a combination of injuries consistent with a vessel collision. These types of impacts are a known threat to large marine animals and can be fatal, as occurred in this case.
The evidence gathered by specialists suggests that the crash cut short the animal's journey, preventing them from continuing their migration. The information gathered will contribute to a better understanding of the risks these turtles face along high-traffic maritime routes.
The species: a migratory giant
The leatherback turtle is the marine turtle of largest size on the planet. It can easily exceed the 700 kilos of weight and travel thousands of kilometers in their seasonal movementsIts diet is based mainly on jellyfish, which it hunts in temperate and cold waters.
Although Galicia is not a point of continuous presence, there are records of sightings and strandings at different times of the year. These episodes provide valuable data to understand the routes and habits of a species considered vulnerable in different regions due to human and environmental threats.
Performance and protocol
After the discovery, the matter went to municipal jurisdiction and it was brought to the attention of the Cemma, a leading entity in Galicia for marine wildlife care. In such situations, the usual procedure is activated to document the case and facilitate, if appropriate, the transfer and evaluation of the specimen.
When a stranded marine animal is detected, experts recommend do not manipulate the body, maintain a safe distance, and immediately report it to local authorities or specialized services. These guidelines help preserve evidence and avoid risks to people.
This event in Santa Comba (Ferrol) It focuses on the coexistence of marine life with human activity and emphasizes the need to strengthen good practices at sea. The combination of institutional response, support from scientific organizations, and citizen collaboration is key to improving knowledge and protecting these species.
