After last week’s issue related to a privately owned part of Gnejna bay, a Loggerhead turtle has decided to claim another part of the beach as its private property, at least until mid-August.

For the second time in as many years, a nest of loggerhead turtle eggs has been cordoned off from the public to ensure that the hatching process is not disturbed by man or machine. Gnejna Bay is currently being monitored by members of Nature Trust Malta, urging people to avoid the area, adding that there is nothing to be seen.

This newsroom spoke with the President of Nature Trust Malta Vincent Attard to get up to date on the most recent developments, and a quick look at this majestic creature.

All marine turtles are considered endangered, so they are protected worldwide. The Loggerhead is the most common of marine turtles in the Mediterranean, closely followed by the Leatherback and the Green turtle, the latter being more common in the open sea towards America.

Being a cold-blooded animal, the Loggerhead takes the temperature of the sea around it, which is ideally around 21-24 degrees Celsius. This gives it a migration pattern which follows warmer waters, adding to the chance of occurrences and sightings around the island, as it searches for nesting sites to lay its eggs.

A female turtle lays eggs 1-3 times in a summer, which is why a look-out for more potential nests is constantly required to ensure their safety. Although this Loggerhead in particular nested early in summer, they are more likely to nest from May to July, with hatching time happening from July to September.

The incubation period for the eggs (hatching time) is approximately 60 days. Many variables affect this deadline day, particularly the temperate and whether the eggs are under the sand. Rain could, and has, also affected the time of hatching. We saw this in Golden Bay two years ago, where the eggs hatched on the 57^th day due to the rain the previous night.

Attard pointed out that climate change is having an adverse effect on the species as the sex of the turtle is determined by the temperature surrounding the egg. This change in median temperature has caused an increase in female turtles, which could unfortunately lead to the extinction of this animal.

With regards to what the public can do to avoid damaging these eggs, whilst also enjoying the ability to see nature’s course take its way, Attard pointed out that the biggest danger comes from predators, and unnecessary vibrations to the egg. For this reason, volunteers and volunteer security is on site protecting the nest from external forces which could endanger the eggs from reaching the hatching stage.

The eggs are expected to hatch around Santa Marija, on the 15^th August, at which point the area will be more strictly regulated due to the increased sensitivity of the eggs, and baby turtles after they’ve hatched. This includes the dimming of lights, reduction of noise and vibration from the public and kiosks, basically keeping the area free to let nature take its course.

Everyone in the area has been cooperative and even as spirits are high for this to be a successful hatching, Attard concluded by asking the public to keep this level of cooperation to further enjoy this uncommon occurrence.