A loggerhead turtle that has been nicknamed Naomi by its rescuers, has found its way to the rehabilitation centre at San Lucjan, after being spotted close to a floater with a hook in its beak, a good distance offshore. The vessel’s captain handed the turtle to the Manoel Island Marina employees (Melita Marine Group), who kindly took care of it and transported it to San Lucjan for care, where it joined other turtles receiving similar attention.

The Biological Conservation Research Foundation (BICREF) takes this opportunity to stress the importance of such prompt and caring action, to help these legally protected species that deserve our consideration and assistance. BICREF will gladly assist any sea-user or fisherman who is not already knowledgeable on what needs to be done in such emergencies. Mepa has its nature protection inspectorate that assists in cases dealing with protected species and may also be called.

Unfortunately as turtles approach our coasts, they may be hit by jet-skis and speed boats that are often too fast for turtles to escape when they are at the surface breathing and basking in the sun. Increasing marine pollution, plastics, and various fishing activities also hinder the turtles chances of survival. Indeed BICREF noted an increasing number of turtle deaths last summer, when regrettably the turtles did not even make it to rehabilitation.