What a spectacle has unfolded these past few days on the Almería coast, an event that reminds us of the importance of caring for our environment. Mojácar beach was the setting for a truly heartwarming moment: the return home of 27 loggerhead sea turtles . These impressive specimens, weighing over 1.2 kilograms, entered the Mediterranean Sea after spending a year under the watchful eye of experts and caretakers.
The story of these little adventurers began exactly one year ago, when a female decided that the sand of Piedra Villazar was the perfect place to lay her eggs. Thanks to the municipal services' immediate alert to 112, a protection protocol was activated against the clock. This isn't something that happens every day, and that's why the involvement of volunteers and technicians has been total in ensuring the successful hatching, overcoming the dangers of a busy beach.
From beach sand to high-tech incubators
Of the 99 eggs the mother originally laid, it was decided to divide the hatchlings to avoid putting all their eggs in one basket. While 20 were taken to the Oasys Minihollywood facilities to artificially control their temperature and humidity , the rest remained in a safe spot on Río Abajo beach. It was a tense but exciting waiting period that culminated in mid-August when the first hatchlings began to emerge from the sand, resulting in a total of 56 successful hatchlings.
Not all the eggs hatched, as some were empty or had developmental problems, which is perfectly normal. The hatchlings that did survive were transferred to the Andalusian Marine Environment Management Center (Cegma), where they began their supervised growth phase . There, they received meticulous care, with weekly weigh-ins and check-ups to ensure they were gaining strength before facing the vastness of the ocean.
A path with obstacles and health overcoming
But this breeding process hasn't been without its challenges. At the beginning of this year, an unexpected infectious outbreak jeopardized the entire team, claiming the lives of 25 turtles despite the veterinarians' best efforts. It was a devastating blow, but a swift response and emergency health measures allowed them to save the 27 turtles that have now been released. The collaborative work between the Roquetas Aquarium, Selwo Marina, and Cegma has been vital for the rest of the expedition to succeed.
During these months, the animals have followed a very strict biometrics program to monitor their physical development. Seeing them now at this size and with such vitality is the best reward for the professionals who have been working tirelessly. The collaboration of organizations like Equinac has demonstrated that, when we work together, the conservation of endangered species like the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) can become a tangible reality on our coasts.
Mojácar as a key point for marine biodiversity
This event is not an isolated incident, but rather part of a trend that scientists are closely monitoring. It is the fifth nesting in Almería since 2001, suggesting that these giants of the sea are expanding their breeding grounds, perhaps seeking waters with more optimal temperatures. The loggerhead turtle, which can weigh up to 100 kilos in adulthood, is a fundamental part of the marine ecosystem due to its diet of jellyfish and crustaceans.
No one was missing from the release ceremony; from local and regional authorities to the children of the Bartolomé Flores school, who were amazed to see the turtles gain speed towards the water. It is crucial that new generations understand that seeing a turtle on the beach is not a game, but a vitally important event that requires calm and a quick call to emergency services to avoid disrupting the natural nesting process.
The success of this mission underscores the commitment of institutions and civil society to Almería's natural heritage. After overcoming illness and months of preventive captivity, these 27 survivors are now free, leaving behind a trail of hope for their species. Their journey through the Mediterranean is proof that the coordinated effort between scientists, volunteers, and citizens bears fruit, ensuring that our beaches remain a safe haven for our most emblematic marine wildlife.
