On Wednesday morning, La Mata Beach witnessed the release of sixteen sea turtles born in twenty twenty-four. These turtles emerged from a nest laid by a turtle named ‘Pura Vida’ at Los Locos Beach. After the eggs were transported to La Mata, they hatched under careful supervision. The event marked the turtles’ first encounter with the sea after a year of controlled rearing at Oceanogràfic in Valencia.

In total, sixty-four eggs were laid by ‘Pura Vida’, and volunteers and environmental technicians monitored them until they hatched. While six of the hatchlings were transferred to Oceanogràfic as part of the Head Starting project, the remaining eggs were incubated at La Mata Beach. The release event saw a significant turnout, including local residents and students from IES Mediterráneo, emphasising the community’s involvement in marine conservation.

The conservation initiatives aim to enhance the survival of hatchlings, especially during their vulnerable early months, where natural mortality rates are high. The practise of choosing La Mata for the release aligns with the principle of philopatry, ensuring that adult turtles return to their birthplace to nest decades later. This geographical connection is essential for the recolonisation of western Mediterranean beaches, which is becoming increasingly necessary as turtle habitats face various threats.

The loggerhead turtle, classified as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, faces risks from habitat loss, pollution, fishing interactions, and climate change. The Oceanogràfic Foundation is actively working with authorities, scientists, and the community on research, rescue, and awareness programmes to protect this species and ensure its continued presence in the Mediterranean.