Two loggerhead turtles were successfully released back into the sea at Golden Bay yesterday after months of care at Malta’s Wildlife Rehab Centre, run by Nature Trust Malta in collaboration with ERA and Ambjent Malta.
‘Polly Ċensa’, weighing 70kg, was found in August 2022 after ingesting a fishing hook and line. Her release marks the end of a long but successful recovery. The second turtle, ‘Duka’, was discovered in December 2024, entangled in marine debris that had cut into both front flippers. Thanks to early intervention, Duka’s recovery was swift.
These bring the total number of turtle releases this year to five, with 15 more currently undergoing treatment at the Rehab Centre.
This rehabilitation success comes during an especially active nesting season in Malta. Four nests have been confirmed so far: the first at Ġnejna Bay on 9th June, followed by another at Għadira and two at Ramla l-Ħamra in Gozo – both laid by the same turtle, Johanna. As reported, Ramla’s protected coastline is proving increasingly important for Malta’s nesting turtles.
The public is urged not to approach or disturb turtles during the nesting process. Any sightings of nesting or injured turtles should be reported immediately to ERA at 22923500 or Nature Trust Malta at 99999505.
Damaging nests or eggs is a criminal offence, with fines reaching €2,400 per egg. Once a nest is confirmed, ERA and Nature Trust cordon off the area and issue an emergency conservation order to legally protect the site during the critical nesting and hatching period.
Loggerhead turtles are a globally endangered species and Malta’s shores are playing a growing role in their survival.
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