Final tally! Malta's turtle season closes with 406 hatchlings, but Nest 7 lost to September storm

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The hatch rate for fertilised eggs was a whopping 97%!

Francesca Vella

This year's record-breaking turtle season comes to a bittersweet close, with an impressive 406 successful hatches. However, the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) confirmed that Nest 7 was tragically lost after becoming waterlogged during the September storm.

This season marked a milestone for turtle conservation, setting a new record with 594 eggs across eight nests. Notably, two nests relocated from Għajn Tuffieħa to Golden Bay due to weather conditions saw all their fertilised eggs successfully hatch.

Last turtle

These remarkable nesting numbers and high success rates are a testament to the tireless efforts of ERA, NGOs like Nature Trust Malta, and the dedicated volunteers who spent sleepless nights safeguarding the nests from harm.

Last turtle

With the season now over, it's time for these same volunteers to rest and regroup in preparation for the 2025 nesting season.

Did you follow this year's turtle season?

Written by

Francesca Vella

Francesca has always felt most at home in a cinema or theatre, particularly if musicals are involved. She loves to read, write, and share about her experiences of both the fictional and the real world.