The Murcian coastline has once again been the scene of a fascinating natural phenomenon with the arrival of the first loggerhead turtle of the season to lay her eggs. This event, which took place on the beaches of La Manga del Mar Menor, has triggered a protection plan to ensure the process is successful during the coming warmer months.
The discovery was initially made near kilometer 10, in an area belonging to the municipality of San Javier, where a female loggerhead turtle ( Caretta caretta) was spotted laying eggs. Following the report, experts traveled to the site to assess the condition of the seventy-five eggs found , confirming that the clutch was healthy despite the risks posed by the original location due to human traffic.
Strategic relocation to ensure the survival of the clutch
Because the turtle's chosen nesting site was located in an area with high tourist traffic and pedestrian flow, technicians from the El Valle Wildlife Recovery Center decided to move the nest. The operation involved relocating the nest to kilometer 15 of La Manga, an environment that offers better conditions of tranquility and security for the embryos to develop without external interference from humans.
Of the entire clutch, it was decided that seventy eggs would remain buried in the sand of the new site, replicating natural incubation conditions. Meanwhile, a small group of five eggs has been transferred to an incubator with constant monitoring to ensure that, in the event of any unforeseen weather or environmental conditions on the beach, some of the hatchlings will have a controlled environment until they emerge.
Environmental monitoring and protection protocol
To ensure the future hatchlings are not disturbed, a perimeter fence has been installed to provide continuous protection for the nest. Environmental Agents and technical staff actively participate in this protective measure, although the heart of the project lies with the volunteers of the Turtle Territory campaign , who dedicate their time to ensuring the perimeter is respected and informing curious onlookers who approach the area interested in the process.
This nest is not an isolated incident, but rather confirms an upward trend in the use of Spanish coasts by this protected species. In fact, this is the tenth nest recorded in the Region of Murcia since records began, positioning this area of ​​the Mediterranean as a breeding ground of increasing importance for European marine biodiversity, a fact that has been welcomed even by high-ranking officials in the regional government.
It is crucial to remember that if any swimmer or walker comes across a similar trail in the sand or sees a turtle emerging from the water at night, they should not approach or attempt to touch the animal. The official recommendation is to immediately call 112 so that specialists can intervene, as any light or excessive noise could frighten the female and jeopardize her nesting attempt on our coasts.
The protection of these 75 eggs in La Manga represents an annual milestone for marine conservation that requires the collaboration of the entire community. Thanks to their relocation to a quieter area and the thorough monitoring both on the beach and in the incubator, the baby turtles are expected to emerge by the end of summer , at which point they will begin their journey to the sea under the watchful eyes of those who ensure their safety day and night.
