Four loggerhead turtles born in 2025 have been released on the beach of Carabassi, in Elche, after spending more than a year under specialised care at the facilities of the Oceanografic Foundation of Valencia.
The turtles originate from a nest located on 4th July 2025 in Arenales del Sol, after three young people observed a marine turtle and alerted the 112 emergency telephone number. The clutch consisted of 79 eggs, nine of which were transferred to the Oceanografic for controlled incubation, while the remainder were relocated to a protected area along the coast of Elche.
The four released specimens have formed part of the head starting conservation programme, which favours their controlled growth during the first year of life, one of the most vulnerable stages for this species. According to the Oceanografic Foundation, during that period they reach a size similar to what they would achieve after about five years in freedom, which increases their chances of survival against predators.
Oceanografic Foundation educator Mario Romero explained that, in natural conditions, it is calculated that “out of every hundred turtles that are born only one manages to survive.” Among their main threats he cited fishing, pollution, climate change and the growing urbanisation of beaches.
Romero indicated that the foundation routinely releases around 200 turtles a year in the Valencian Community and that, since the implementation of these programmes, some 1,100 specimens have already been returned to the sea. The majority carry an incorporated microchip and a ministry identification that allow them to be recognised and a follow-up of their history to be carried out.
Half a hundred schoolchildren from CEIP La Paz de Torrellano, municipal representatives and foundation volunteers participated in the release. For Romero, these activities also serve as an awareness-raising tool so that citizens know how to act when they find a turtle, a nest or a specimen with problems.
The Councillor for Environment of Elche, Jose Antonio Roman, highlighted that citizen collaboration is fundamental to protect these animals, while maintaining coexistence with bathers and visitors. “More and more people know that, when they see turtle tracks in the sand, they must call 112,” he noted.
Roman recalled that during the past year no nesting has been recorded on the beaches of Elche, although he underlined the environmental value of the coastline of Elche and the need to avoid disturbing the turtles when they approach the coast.
Other Articles
A cocktail of rum, vermouth and goat cheese takes centre stage in Benidorm
