The Territorial Delegation of Sustainability and Environment in the province of Almería, together with Environmental Agents, certified a new case of nesting of loggerhead sea turtle (‘Caretta caretta’) on the beach of Mojácar, in front of the Parador Nacional on Sunday, June 22. 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 finding was made possible thanks to the prompt action of the municipal beach cleaning services in Mojácar, who alerted through the Emergency 112 phone line upon detecting a marine turtle digging in the sand, likely in the nesting process. This communication immediately activated the protocol for the attention to nesting events of sea turtles, mobilizing technicians from the Council, Environmental Agents, and other involved personnel.
Upon arrival, the coastal and marine environmental technician from the Territorial Delegation and several Environmental Agents, with the support of 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 nest location, experts determined a significant risk of flooding due to tides or storms. Therefore, they proceeded to check if the turtle had laid its eggs in order to, if necessary, relocate the nest to a safer location. The opening of the incubation chamber was carried out by the marine environmental technician from the Council and an Environmental Agent from the Ministry for the Ecological Transition, both with specialized training in the management and conservation of turtle nesting sites.
In total, 99 eggs were found. Of these, 20 were transferred to the facilities of ‘Oasys Minihollywood’ in Tabernas, where they will be incubated under controlled conditions. The remaining 79 were relocated to a nearby, more protected location in Mojácar. In this new location, in collaboration with the Municipality of the town, all necessary measures have been established 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 Council and the Ministry, to the Local Police and volunteer entities.» He particularly highlighted the rapid intervention of the municipal cleaning services, whose role he deemed «essential in detecting the event at the right 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 frequent, and this is not only due to environmental changes, such as rising sea temperatures, but also to an improved response capacity, thanks to the collaboration between institutions and the local population,» he stated.
He also stressed the importance of informing the 112 emergency line as soon as a turtle is spotted on the beach. «This action can make the difference between the success or failure of a nest. It is crucial 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 take action,» he pointed out.
The province of Almería has a brief but significant history of loggerhead sea turtle nesting. In addition to this year’s case, nests were 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, and 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 Council 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 the citizenry, along with the decisive 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, everyone plays a role: 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 the municipal beach cleaning services, especially during nesting season. «They are on the ground from the early hours and have the ability to detect movements or tracks that others might overlook. Their work is essential, which is why all administrations have strengthened training and resources for these teams in recent years.»
The Council will continue to monitor the nest in the coming weeks, applying necessary protection measures and maintaining constant surveillance, with the hope that, in about two months, the hatchlings will emerge and reach the sea.