The coast of Dénia was once again the scene of a significant natural event for Mediterranean wildlife in the early hours of Monday, June 22nd. Diana, a loggerhead turtle already known to researchers, chose the Dénia coastline once again to lay the first nesting site of the season in the entire Valencian Community, further establishing the area as a strategic location for her species.
The discovery occurred by chance when Héctor Villar, the manager of the Marina el Portet facilities, spotted the animal's tracks in the sand and immediately raised the alarm. Thanks to this swift action, the Stranding Network protocol was activated, allowing a multidisciplinary team to travel to the area to protect the nest and ensure the viability of the eggs laid by this loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta).
A coordinated operation to secure Diana's offspring
Following the initial report, specialists from the University of Valencia and the Polytechnic University of Valencia carried out a thorough inspection of the site. After counting a total of 106 eggs, the experts determined that the location chosen by Diana in Marineta Cassiana presented risks due to its proximity to the shoreline. For this reason, it was decided to move most of the nest to an area with a lower probability of flooding from the waves.
A total of 96 eggs were carefully relocated to the Les Albaranes area, a stretch of beach where incubation can take place more naturally and under better protection. This relocation is standard practice when conditions at the original site are deemed to pose a risk to the hatchlings. Meanwhile, the Xaloc organization has been coordinating the monitoring and protection of this new location to prevent any external disturbances.
To diversify the chances of success, a small sample of the clutch, specifically 10 eggs, has been transferred to the ARCA del Mar facilities at the Oceanogrà fic in Valencia. There, they will remain under strict controlled incubation conditions , a strategy that ensures that, regardless of what happens in the wild, a portion of the offspring will have the best possible chance of survival before being released back into the marine ecosystem.
Satellite technology for the study of the species
One of the highlights of the intervention was the placement of a satellite transmitter on Diana's shell by researcher Eduardo Belda. This device will allow the scientific community to closely monitor her marine routes over the coming months. It is particularly interesting for biologists to track the movements of this particular specimen, as her frequent visits to the beaches of Dénia in recent years provide valuable data on the reproductive behavior of the species in the western Mediterranean.
This isn't the first time this turtle, named after the goddess for whom the city is named, has visited the Alicante coast. In fact, Diana has been known to lay eggs multiple times in previous seasons, indicating that the Spanish coast is becoming increasingly important as a nesting area, possibly due to rising water temperatures. Collaboration between the Valencian Regional Government, the Dénia City Council, and the universities has been key to professionalizing this monitoring effort.
The technical deployment focuses not only on the adult specimen but also on habitat analysis. The Dénia area has become a benchmark for marine conservation, and the success of these nests depends largely on maintaining calm spaces free from light pollution . These types of scientific actions allow us to understand why certain specimens choose to repeat their reproductive cycle in the same geographical locations year after year.
The importance of citizen collaboration
The institutions involved have taken advantage of this milestone to launch an awareness campaign for all beachgoers and users. During the summer season, other turtles may come ashore to lay their eggs, so knowing how to react is crucial. The experts' main recommendation is to immediately call 112 if a turtle is spotted or if marks similar to those of a wide tire are found in the sand.
It is vitally important to maintain a safe distance and avoid using flashlights or cameras, as the light can disorient the animal and cause it to abandon the nesting process without laying its eggs. Community involvement is, in many cases, the first link in a chain of survival that culminates months later with the hatching of the baby turtles and their journey to the sea.
The commitment of the local government and the work of the volunteers from the NGO Xaloc are essential for these processes to be successful on beaches with high tourist traffic. Informing locals and visitors about the presence of these nests helps create an environment of respect for the biodiversity that surrounds us. Every little helps to protect a species that is listed as vulnerable and that struggles to thrive in our waters.
Diana's story in Dénia is an example of how science and citizen collaboration can work together to protect natural heritage. The monitoring that now begins, thanks to the satellite transmitter and the surveillance of the nest in Les Albaranes, will keep experts watching this corner of the Mediterranean throughout the summer. The ultimate goal is for as many hatchlings as possible to reach the water in a few weeks and continue the life cycle of this emblematic species.
This recurring visit by the loggerhead turtle underscores that the Valencian coast has become an essential refuge for marine wildlife, demanding a constant effort in the management of our beaches. Thanks to the collaborative work of biologists, institutions, and tips from the public, a large nest has been saved, representing renewed hope for the conservation of the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) on our shores.
