There’s exciting news from Gozo’s shores – Johanna the loggerhead turtle has returned to Ramla l-Ħamra to lay her second nest of the season!

Nature Trust – FEE Malta volunteers were on duty monitoring Nest 3 when, at around 1am between Saturday and Sunday, they spotted a nesting turtle while patrolling the beach. Officials were quickly alerted, and representatives from the Environment & Resources Authority (ERA) arrived on site to confirm the presence of the new nest.

Once the nesting process was complete, a microchip check confirmed what many hoped – it was Johanna! This now brings the total number of nests for 2025 up to four – a promising sign, especially considering that by this time last year, Malta and Gozo had only welcomed one nest.

With turtle nesting season well underway, conservationists are hopeful for a record-breaking year. Every nest is a small miracle for the endangered loggerhead species and a proud moment for Malta’s environmental community.

If you want to help protect these beautiful creatures, volunteers are always welcome! If you want to help out in Malta, contact [email protected] and if you’re on the sister island, get in touch via [email protected].

A big shout-out to volunteers Sabine and Dawn for their swift action, and to ERA for their ongoing support and collaboration.

Let’s keep our beaches safe for Johanna and her fellow nesting turtles!