The beaches of the province of Castellón are preparing once again to welcome some very special visitors who seek the tranquility of the sand to perpetuate their species. With the start of summer, the period officially begins when loggerhead turtles choose our coasts to lay their eggs, a phenomenon that has gone from being anecdotal to a recurring reality on the Mediterranean coast due to global warming and changes in ocean currents.
To ensure this natural process is successful, the Blue Sea Foundation and the Oceanogràfic Foundation have launched the seventh edition of their awareness initiative. This project aims to educate both residents and tourists who frequent the beaches on how to react to a possible sighting , thus protecting a biodiversity that represents a true added value for the Castellón coast.
A network of municipalities focused on conservation
In this new edition, no fewer than sixteen municipalities in the province have reaffirmed their commitment to the project, ranging from Vinaròs to Almenara, and including towns such as Benicarló, Oropesa del Mar, Nules, and the capital itself. The main objective is to standardize operating procedures so that, if a turtle decides to come ashore to lay its eggs in the middle of the night, the cleaning and rescue personnel have the necessary knowledge to avoid interfering with the process.
During the official launch of the campaign, authorities emphasized the vital importance of coordination between different government agencies . It's not simply a matter of putting up informational signs, but rather providing technical training to the workers who patrol the beaches daily, as their speed and effectiveness are crucial to protecting the nests from the curiosity of bathers or the passage of heavy machinery.
Successes from the previous season and a milestone for hope
It's important to remember that last year was particularly positive for conservation in this area, with four nests located in places like Almazora and Peñíscola . The hatchlings that emerged from those nests have been under expert monitoring throughout the year, and their development has been so favorable that they will soon return to their natural habitat. This confirms that a rapid response on the beach is key to the hatchlings' survival.
Furthermore, this year's celebration is twofold, as the symbolic milestone of one thousand turtles rehabilitated at the ARCA del Mar (Sea Ark) has been reached . This marine hospital plays a vital role in treating turtles that arrive injured from ingesting plastics, collisions with boats, or entanglement in fishing nets, making it a leading scientific center in Europe for the protection of the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta).
Citizen protocol: What to do in case of a sighting?
If someone is unlucky enough to encounter one of these animals on the sand, the most important thing is to remain calm and, above all, maintain a safe distance. Immediately calling 112 is the most critical step, as this alert automatically activates the Stranding Network technicians to come to the location and secure the area.
Under no circumstances should you touch the turtle, stand in its path, or dazzle it with flashlights or mobile phone flashes, as this could frighten the animal and cause it to return to the water without laying its eggs. Respect for the environment is essential, especially during September and October, when the eggs hatch and the baby turtles begin their journey to the sea at a time of extreme vulnerability.
The survival of these turtles depends on the shared effort between institutions and those who enjoy our coasts in their leisure time. With the recent tribute to biologist Félix Moncada during the release of a rehabilitated specimen, the season has officially begun, a season where awareness and active monitoring will be key to ensuring that nesting in Castellón is, once again this summer, something to celebrate.