Turtle nesting season in Malta officially began on Monday, when the first nest was found at Ġnejna Bay.

The Environment and Resources Authority said that the turtle nest was spotted by a team from the Cleansing Division during routine works.

"Upon discovery, the finding was reported to Nature Trust Malta (NTM-FEE), which is sponsored by the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) to carry out wildlife rescue and rehabilitation across the Maltese islands."

Both ERA and NTM teams were on site shortly after to cordon off the area to protect the nest, the ERA said.

ERA will be issuing an emergency conservation order to further safeguard the site.

The loggerhead turtle, known in Maltese as il-fekruna l-komuni, is a long-living, slowly maturing marine species that inhabits tropical to warm temperate areas. Classified as globally endangered by the World Conservation Area (IUCN), the species is protected by various national and international laws.

Capturing, killing, taking, and trading these turtles, as well as the deliberate disturbance of these species, particularly during breeding, rearing and migration, is prohibited. "The destruction of eggs or taking of eggs from the wild is a criminal offence, with a minimum fine of nearly €500 that goes up to nearly €2,400 for each egg that may be destroyed or taken from the wild," ERA said.

"Beachgoers who come across a turtle nesting are instructed to keep their distance, and to not approach the turtle. Noise and light are to be kept to a minimum. The public is urged to immediately report any sightings or turtle activity to ERA over the phone (2292 3500) or through its customer care system, or directly to NTM (9999 9505)," ERA's Director of Regulatory Affairs, Aimee Brincat, said.

"Turtle nests are monitored 24/7 to ensure their protection. To make this possible, volunteers will be required by NTM with monitoring and other tasks related to this turtle nest," ERA said.

Those who wish to volunteer are kindly asked to send an email to [email protected] for more information.

When near the nests, It is important for people to act responsibly as excessive noise, trampling, and light close to the nesting area may pose a threat to turtle eggs and any hatchlings, the ERA said.

"It is important that any observations of turtle activity to ERA over the phone (2292 3500) or through its customer care system, or directly to NTM (9999 9505). If you come across a turtle nesting, please keep your distance, do not approach the turtle, and keep noise and light to a minimum."