A loggerhead turtle nest in Golden Bay has been cordoned off so authorities can monitor the eggs and their hatchlings.

This is the second confirmed nesting of loggerhead turtle and just four years since the last nesting in Golden Bay.

Increased nesting could indicate an increased fidelity in sea turtles in Maltese shores, hopefully giving some indication of a more permanent comeback of the species.

Greater protection, as well as rehabilitation programmes for injured and stranded turtles, could be behind the increase.

Malta’s Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) is currently assessing the situation to decide on immediate measures that are to be put in place to ensure that the nest is not endangered in any way. ERA will work in close collaboration with Nature Trust Malta, the Majjistral Park, and the Environment Ministry.

The loggerhead turtle (Maltese: il-fekruna l-komuni), is a long-living, slowly maturing marine species that inhabits tropical to warm temperate areas.

It is endangered and capturing, killing, taking, and trading these turtles, as well as the deliberate disturbance of these species, particularly during the period of breeding, rearing and migration, is prohibited and subject to legal action.

Malta’s national ‘Flora, Fauna and Natural Habitats Protection Regulations’ impose a minimum fine of nearly €500 and going up to nearly €2400 for each egg that may be destroyed or taken from the wild.

ERA is calling for the public’s collaboration in reducing impacts to such nests and that any observations of any environmental illegality or turtle activity should be immediately reported to ERA on 9921 0404 or [email protected].

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