In the early hours of last Sunday, the night watchman at the Cabo Roig marina in Orihuela Costa activated the regional protocol for marine turtle nests after calling emergency services. The turtle, known as Ana, has been returning to this southern coastline every year since two thousand eighteen. Although she is unable to nest due to a physiological issue, biologist Juan Antonio Pujol confirmed her presence. Additionally, another turtle, Diana, nested in Denia, laying one hundred sixteen eggs on Marineta Casiana beach, where she had previously established three successful nests in twenty twenty-three.

This year, for the first time since two thousand six, two separate teams were deployed by the Ministry for Ecological Transition to manage the nesting turtles, as they are a strictly protected species. The Universitat de València coordinated the operation, locating Diana’s nest in Denia while the Universitat Politècnica de València fitted the turtle with a satellite transmitter. This collaboration was made possible due to the swift actions of the Denia City Council and the veterinary team from Oceanogràfic, who conducted an ultrasound and took blood samples from the nesting turtle for reproductive analysis.

Of the one hundred sixteen eggs, one hundred four were relocated to Las Albaranas beach, which offers better conditions for incubation, while twelve were placed in incubation units at Oceanogràfic. Meanwhile, in the south, biologist Pujol monitored Ana’s nesting attempt, which ultimately ended in failure as she returned to the sea without laying any eggs.

The increasing occurrence of marine turtles approaching Mediterranean beaches has intensified in recent years along the Alicante coast, even in urban areas with significant human activity. Some studies suggest this rise may be related to increasing sea and sand temperatures. Authorities advise anyone who spots a turtle on the beach to call emergency services immediately and to maintain a safe distance, avoiding any disturbance to the animal, especially at night.