The Territorial Delegation of Sustainability and Environment in the province of Almería, together with Environmental Agents, certified a new case of nesting of the loggerhead sea turtle (‘Caretta caretta’) on the beach of Mojácar, in front of the Parador Nacional, on Sunday, June 22nd. This marks the fifth documented nest in the province of Almería since 2001, highlighting the importance of coordinated work between public administrations, collaborating entities, and citizens for the conservation of this threatened species.
The discovery was made possible thanks to the quick action of the municipal beach cleaning services in Mojácar, who alerted through the Emergency 112 phone line upon detecting a sea turtle digging in the sand, likely in the process of nesting. This communication immediately activated the protocol for responding to nesting events of sea turtles, mobilizing technicians from the Regional Ministry, Environmental Agents, and other involved personnel.
Upon arrival, the coastal and marine environment technician from the Territorial Delegation and several Environmental Agents, with the support of the volunteers from the ‘Equinac’ Association and the collaboration of the Local Police of Mojácar, confirmed that the individual that had been digging was a female loggerhead sea turtle, a species that inhabits warm waters, undertakes long migrations throughout its life, and approaches the coast for nesting during the months of June and July.
After evaluating the location of the nest, experts determined a significant risk of flooding due to tides or storms. Therefore, they checked if the turtle had deposited her eggs in order to potentially relocate the nest to a safer location if necessary. The opening of the incubation chamber was carried out by the marine environment technician from the Regional Government and an Environmental Agent from the Ministry for the Ecological Transition, both with specialized training in the management and conservation of turtle nests.
A total of 99 eggs were found. Of these, 20 were transported to the facilities of ‘Oasys Minihollywood’ in Tabernas, where they will be incubated under controlled conditions. The remaining 79 eggs were relocated to a nearby, more protected location in Mojácar. In this new location, in collaboration with the City Council, all necessary measures have been taken to ensure the safety of the nest and maximize the chances of successful hatching.
Swift Intervention
The Territorial Delegate of Sustainability and Environment in Almería, Manuel de la Torre, expressed gratitude for «the joint effort of all involved in this operation, from the technical staff and agents of the Regional Government and the Ministry, to the Local Police and volunteer entities.» He specifically praised the prompt action of the municipal cleaning services, whose role he deemed «essential in detecting the event at the precise moment and activating all available resources.»
Loggerhead sea turtle nest, delimited and protected on the beach of Mojácar (Almería).
De la Torre emphasized that these interventions demonstrate the effectiveness of the established coordination system and the growing awareness among citizens. «Nesting of turtles on our coasts is becoming more common, and this is not only due to environmental changes, such as the increase in sea temperature, but also to a greater capacity for response, thanks to the collaboration between institutions and the local population,» he stated.
In this regard, he highlighted the importance of notifying 112 as soon as the presence of a turtle on the beach is detected. «This gesture can make the difference between the success or failure of a nesting. It is essential not to disturb the animal, stay at least 50 meters away, avoid noises or lights that may alter its behavior, and let the specialized agents and personnel act,» he emphasized.
The province of Almería already has a brief but significant history of loggerhead sea turtle nesting. In addition to this year’s case, nests have been recorded in Vera in 2001, Pulpí in 2015, and two others in Mojácar in 2021 and 2023. Failed attempts have also been documented on other beaches along the coast, such as Agua Amarga in 2014, Cuevas del Almanzora in 2016, or last year in Mojácar. This increasing pattern confirms that the Andalusian coasts are part of the potential expansion area for this species, considered globally vulnerable.
The Ministry of Sustainability and Environment works closely with the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and local entities in protecting these events. Activities range from beach surveillance to the training of agents and technicians in marine conservation, as well as the involvement of organizations like ‘Equinac’, which actively contribute to the stewardship of the territory and social awareness.
«The commitment of citizens, along with the determined action of administrations, is allowing us to advance in scientific knowledge and response capacity to a phenomenon that is both natural and extraordinary,» De la Torre affirmed. «In this task, every contribution is valuable, from those who make a timely call to those who watch over the nest day and night.»
The delegate also acknowledged the crucial role played by municipal beach cleaning services, especially during the nesting season. «They are on the ground from the early hours and have the ability to detect movements or traces that others might overlook. Their work is indispensable, which is why all administrations have strengthened training and resources for these teams in recent years,» he noted.
The Ministry will continue monitoring the nest in the coming weeks, implementing necessary protection measures and maintaining constant vigilance, with the hope that the hatchlings will emerge and reach the sea in about two months.