Welcome to the world, kids! A loggerhead turtle laid her eggs at Ramla bay last night, and thanks to some responsible locals, the nest is safe.

“This evening, at around 10.00 pm, a female loggerhead turtle was noted laying eggs on Ramla Bay in Gozo. The turtle came out of the sea at around 10 pm and left around 11.30 pm,” Nature Trust – FEE Malta said on Facebook.

“Thanks to responsible persons on the beach, Nature Trust - Wildlife Rescue were alerted and NTM Gozo volunteers where on site within a few minutes to guard the female loggerhead and the nest.”

“The last nestings were in Malta in 2012, 2014 and 2018 with the last having a successful hatching rate of 111 from 112 eggs. Incidentally in Ragusa Bay in Sicily a turtle nesting was also reported the previous night, marking an early season like in Gozo,” Nature Trust noted.

They also shared that authorities were informed and a way forward is being discussed. “The Environment Resource Authority was immediately alerted and now ERA will decide on the most appropriate way forward to ensure that the nest is not put in any danger. ERA will assist in the process till the hatching which, if all goes well, is expected to occur between mid to end July.”

Get involved!

Nature Trust is looking for volunteers to help protect this nest. “One particular challenge on this bay is the Ghost crab, a particular crab that may pose a danger to the young turtles when they hatch. For this reason, the duty volunteers will as in previous years, be prepared during the hatching to ensure as much turtles make it safe to the sea.”

Want to become a volunteer at Gozo’s Ramla Bay? Send an email to [email protected].