In an unregistered nest, the lifeguard service at Benafelí Beach in Almassora (Castellón) alerted this Tuesday about the presence of a nest of a sea turtle that was in the process of hatching.
The rapid activation of the emergency protocol allowed the immediate intervention of technicians from the University of Valencia and the Oceanogràfic Foundation, who confirmed the nesting and managed to rescue several newly born specimens.
A total of 128 eggs were located in the nest. Of these, 54 hatched successfully. It is estimated that 43 hatchlings had already managed to make their way to the sea on their own, while 11 hatchlings were found still active inside the nest.
Las 11 tortugas encontradas en el nido
The latter were immediately transported to the Oceanogràfic de València. Once they passed the routine veterinary check-up, the small turtles are now swimming in a tank specially conditioned for hatchlings at the ARCA del Mar, under the attentive supervision of the Conservation team of the Oceanogràfic Foundation.
The 74 remaining eggs that made up the unregistered nest did not develop
This new discovery reinforces the evidence of the increasing frequency of nestings of the species Caretta caretta (loggerhead turtle) on the Valencian coast. Experts link this phenomenon to the rising sea temperatures, which could be driving the species to adapt and use new areas for their reproduction.
Una de las tortugas marinas encontradas en la playa de Almassora en Valencia
The Oceanogràfic Foundation reiterates the crucial importance of citizen collaboration in these types of situations. The population is reminded that, upon any sighting of a nest of sea turtles in the process of hatching or of newly born specimens, it is essential to contact 112. This ensures the appropriate activation of the rescue protocol and the protection of these valuable animals.
The Oceanogràfic Foundation Valencia is born to care for our natural environment and its species
They carry out actions that have a direct impact on the health of ecosystems and wild populations.
The work includes the rescue and recovery of vulnerable species, as well as the monitoring of habitats to restore and protect damaged areas.
All actions are based on the scientific knowledge acquired over the years and the available resources, in order to improve management strategies and mitigate the impacts threatening our natural environment.
