Malta’s turtle nesting season officially began on Monday, 9 June, with the discovery of the first nest of the year at Ġnejna Bay.

The nest was spotted during routine operations by a team from the Cleansing Division and promptly reported to Nature Trust Malta (NTM-FEE).

The organisation, supported by the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA), is responsible for wildlife rescue and rehabilitation across the Maltese Islands.

The loggerhead turtle (il-fekruna l-komuni in Maltese), the species involved, is a long-living, slowly maturing marine turtle classified as globally endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It is protected under both national and international laws.

Capturing, killing, trading, or disturbing these turtles

especially during breeding, rearing, or migration is strictly prohibited. Destroying or removing turtle eggs from the wild is a criminal offence, with fines starting at nearly €500 and rising to nearly €2,400 for each egg affected.

Turtle nests are monitored around the clock to ensure their protection. Nature Trust Malta is seeking volunteers to assist with monitoring and other conservation tasks related to the nest. Interested individuals should email [email protected] for more information.

ERA’s Director of Regulatory Affairs, Aimee Brincat, urged beachgoers to exercise caution, saying: “Please keep your distance if you encounter a nesting turtle. Avoid loud noises and bright lights. Report any sightings or turtle activity immediately to ERA on 2292 3500 or NTM on 9999 9505.”

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