Seven weeks after a turtle crawled up out of the water at Golden Bay to lay 80-100 eggs, the waiting game has now begun for the eggs to hatch. Typically, the incubation period for turtle eggs, varying marginally from species to species, is from six to eight weeks.

Volunteers and representatives from the Environmental and Resources Authority have been monitoring the eggs round the clock in order to ensure their safety. Some 150 volunteers have stepped forward to monitor the eggs round the clock. Volunteers have taken the 9am to 9pm shift, while ERA representatives have been covering the night shifts.

An agreement was also reached with establishments in the area for dim lighting during the evening, so as not to disturb the young turtles once they hatch.

The fact that the eggs were laid eight metres onshore offers enough distance between them and the sea, and this means that they did not have to be moved further up the shore. A number of barricades were initially placed to cordon off the area and further ensure no tampering with the eggs takes place.

Four years ago, a turtle had laid eggs in Gnejna Bay and had to be relocated further up the shore because of proximity to the water. Unfortunately, the eggs never hatched due to the embryos dying at a late stage of development, authorities confirmed in a press release. 

On the same week that the turtle laid her eggs in Golden Bay, another turtle laid hers in Lampedusa and this week they hatched.

Photos Jonathan Borg