67 hatchlings from eighth turtle nest

The eighth turtle nest has fully hatched earlier than expected and has produced a total of 67 hatchlings, the Environment and Resources Authority and Nature Trust said Saturday.

Nest eighth which was found at Ramla l-hamra on the 8 August was carefully opened by ERA, Nature Trust Malta (NTM) today.  The nest held a total of 76 eggs with 67 successfully hatching.

ERA CEO Kevin Mercieca said that 'This season is definitely one to remember, with just over 400 new turtles released into the wild so far.  In line with its mission, ERA is putting all its efforts for wildlife conservation, to improve Malta's environment for a better quality of life. ERA will continue to support Nature Trust in its wildlife rehabilitation project and is committed to provide resources for wildlife protection, especially in relation to species that are in danger of extinction such as the loggerhead turtle. This work has also raised public awareness on the importance of sea turtle conservation, and I am positive that the public will join ERA in this celebration of having a record season.'

Only one nest for this season remains - Nest 7 at Golden Bay. ERA said it continues to support NTM in protecting turtle nests and conducting other animal rescues and rehabilitation around the Maltese islands.