Turtle protection campaign

CALPE Council has joined a national campaign to raise awareness about the protection of Mediterranean sea turtles.

The aim of Tortugas del Mediterráneo, launched by several national conservation foundations including Valencia’s Oceanogràfic, is to inform the public about how to act if they come across a loggerhead sea turtle or a nesting site on the beach.

A series of posters have been put up at the busiest points on the town’s beaches, calling on bathers to call the 112 emergency helpline straight away to activate a rescue and protection operation organised jointly by Valencia University, the re­ gional government and the Oceanogràfic.

When a sighting is reported, experts from the Oceanogràfic rush to the scene and take the animal, if necessary, to their installations where it can recover before being returned the sea.

The dates of the cam ­ paign are crucial for the conservation of the species as this is nesting season, so it is essential that the females are not disturbed.

Four instances of nesting have been reported in the Valencian Community so far this year ­ two in Denia, one in Gandia and another in Elche.