Update 2: Gnejna turtle eggs relocated, site placed under guard
Video: Mark Zammit Cordina (who did not use artificial light)
Updated - Adds statement by light pollution awareness group
Seventy nine eggs laid by a turtle on Gnejna beach during the night have been carefully relocated to a safer place within the bay by foreign-trained experts overseen by Mepa and Nature Trust. The area has been cordoned off and will be under 24-hour security.
There was joy and amazement in the bay when the large turtle lumbered up in the middle of the sandy beach to lay its eggs, a scene not witnessed for decades.
A small crowd watched as the turtle dug a hole, laid its eggs and then returned to the sea.
People who have boathouses in the bay or man the kiosks said they had not witnessed such a scene for decades.
Such was the rarity of the event that policemen and experts from Mepa and Nature Trust were summoned to witness it . They ensured that the turtle was not interrupted. A guard was placed over the site until Mepa decided whether the eggs should be moved to a safer place.
EGGS RELOCATED
An expert told timesofmalta.com that the eggs needed to be relocated because they were too close to the sea and risked being washed away if the sea was rough. Furthermore, since there was clay under the sand, there was a risk that the site would overheat, reducing the possibility of successful hatching.The site was also in the most heavily used part of the bay.
The eggs were transferred according to a process which lays down how the eggs are placed in the new location.
The cordoned off siteFIRST RECORDED NESTING IN DECADES
Gnejna and Golden Bay used to be popular for nesting by turtles in the past, but Vince Attard, executive president of Nature Trust said the last recorded nesting was in 1960 in Golden Bay. In that case the female was killed and the eggs were stolen.
Josette Bianco, who happened to be at Gnejna said she had been sitting on an armchair at 10.30 p.m. when she saw the turtle coming up a short distance away .
"We are surprised, we did not know what it was at first. It went close to the paddle boats, some two metres up from the sea, where it started digging into the sand. It then laid its eggs, covered them and returned to the sea within an hour. The turtle was very calm despite the flash photography. It was simply amazing."
Turtles live many years and some species mature at the age of 35. They lay their eggs on the same beach on which they were born. After about 60 days the hatchlings break out of their shells, dig their way out of the sand and make their way to the sea.
MEPA WARNS AGAINST DISTURBANCE
in a statement, Mepa said this case was the first confirmed sea turtle nesting event in Malta after a century, although other unconfirmed records of such events have been reported from other beaches in the last 50 years.
"Marine turtles are endangered species and are strictly protected by a number of national and international legislation. In fact, Article 12 of the Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora, together with the Regulation 25 of the Flora, Fauna and Natural Habitat Protection Regulations (L.N. 311 of 2006, as amended) state that the deliberate disturbance of these species, particularly during the period of breeding, rearing, hibernation and migration, is prohibited."
MEPA said it is taking the necessary action to assess the situation and evaluate the best approach to be taken in response to this event. Furthermore Mepa is coordinating with the Ministry for Tourism, Culture and the Environment; the Malta Police Force; and officials within the Ministry for Resources and Rural Affairs on the best course of action.
"The public is reminded that because of the importance of the eggs in question, taking of pets and music should be avoided at all times, until further notice. Deliberate disturbance to the eggs in question is also strictly prohibited," it warned.
To report any similar events or require more information please contact MEPA on 99210404 / 99381811 or [email protected]
EXCESSIVE LIGHTING
Note - The person seen in the video did not actually touch or disturb the eggs. He was an expert who was sifting the sand to confirm that eggs had been laid.
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221 Comments
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Jeremy Norman
Aug 20th 2012, 15:45
E.xciting report but you don't tell us which turtle species?
Nature Trust
Jul 26th 2012, 13:56
WE have checked incident re Ice Cream vendor with our duty volunteers and as per instructions that is to report anthing happening which is not legal to the authorities - the Ice Cream Vendor was infact reported to authorities. Our Volunteers are volunteers so they cannot take legal action in their hands but their duty is to report to the institutions that have the power to take such action. NTM is doing this role for free as we look forward to see the hatchlings coming out and joy with all on this marverlous incident. We thank all the public who are supporting us and the authorities to see this through
John Demanuele
Jul 17th 2012, 12:44
Why must we always play god and tamper with nature?
Franco Farrugia
Jul 25th 2012, 20:11
If we can help, why not?
Today, at MEPA, there are people qualified enough, who have studied a lot, and who also specialised in turtles. I think that this high level of studying is paying dividends. MEPA is equipped, through these experts, to help in this eventuality.
I congratulate all those experts who helped in this issue, but especially the Maltese. Well done.
Darren frendo
Jul 6th 2012, 09:50
What amazes me most is that last sunday I was at gnejna and there was a ice cream vendor on his microphone all the time and NOONE STOPPED HIM!!!.. there were the nature trust people and noone told him to stop.. I repeatedly asked the gabbana people who take care to go and stop him but to no avail.. when i went myself the low life started swearing at me as a typical hamallu person would do..
Whitney Debattista
Jun 25th 2012, 14:57
We witnessed a rare event, but instead of judging we should thank the camera person that let us witness it. If he did not shoot the video maybe we would just hear about it and not giving proper attention to it while giving more attention to the everyday news (politics), but because of this video we gave proper attention to this event.
brian farrugia
Jun 23rd 2012, 18:34
We are very lucky to have witnessed the event in our lifetime. Full protection should be organised, even if need be by the police. The person who exposed the eggs to photograph them probably broke the law, and should be prosecuted. It will be a great day indeed if they hatch and reach the sea, this should be recorded and managed. Is it feasible to release baby turtles from Ramla l-Hamra in the future for them to return there in the future to lay eggs?
brian farrugia
Jun 23rd 2012, 18:16
We are very lucky to have witnessed the event in our lifetime. Full protection should be organised, even if need be by the police. The person who exposed the eggs to photograph them probably broke the law, and should be prosecuted. It will be a great day indeed if they hatch and reach the sea, this should be recorded and managed. Is it feasible to release baby turtles from Ramla l-Hamra in the future for them to return there in the future to lay eggs?
Stephen Galea
Jun 22nd 2012, 23:50
I have just seen a video showing the eggs being placed in another hole in the sand by two persons. The video showed that the person covering the topmost eggs with mostly dry sand and that the eggs were not deep enough. Just two days ago I have seen a documentary where it was stated that the turtles dig a deep hole in the humid/wet sand. And, that the turtle takes care to cover the eggs with only wet sand to provide a constant temperature. After burying the eggs with wet sand, it continues to add another thick cover of top sand. From the video shown, it is apparent that the eggs were not buried deep enough and not covered with the right mixture.
Why are these EXPERTS not named.
L.A. Galea
Jun 23rd 2012, 15:15
Where did you see this video? can you provide us with a link?
David Borg
Jun 23rd 2012, 16:00
Whether or not the eggs hatch? In two months we'll find out if indeed they were experts!!!
Kimberley Portelli
Jul 20th 2012, 12:50
Everyone is an expert after watching a documentary. I guess we'll have to wait and see if they hatch or not...
David Borg
Jun 22nd 2012, 21:27
From the size of the head, it looks like a Loggerhead turtle. They lay their eggs in clutches, 3 to 5 times per season. Then nothing for the next couple of years. Therefore, its likely to return shortly to lay more eggs (if it hasn't already done so). What happens then I wonder?
I think its quite probable that this event may have happened in the past without anyone witnessing it.
joe briffa
Jun 22nd 2012, 12:56
And they are going to keep surveillance for 60 days???? Stop fooling around.....I am sure they would not, there is no enforced surveilance nowhere on this island,just imagine this for 60 days around some turtles eggs??? Joke of course,as soon as this news goes off the papers,all will be dead and buried and nobody knows anything about it anymore....
E. Cuschieri
Jun 22nd 2012, 21:34
Try reading todays article. I've sent an email offering 'watch duty' however I haven't been answered yet. Guess they've been enundated with offers.
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20120622/local/gnejna-bay-declared-emergency-conservation-area-to-protect-turtle-eggs.425494
Ivan Calleja
Jun 23rd 2012, 11:43
How fatalistic you are Briffa....why dont you offer some of your time to guard the nest like I did! Even 1 hour is fine!! People with your pessimistic outlook are pathetic!!
C. J. Żahra
Jun 27th 2012, 16:58
It will not be buried or forgotten. People are keen to see the eggs actually hatching. And they will!
Chris Debono
Jun 22nd 2012, 11:20
AT LAST some nice news.I hope more turtles will follow this one so we don't hear more boring stuff about politics/ parlament/ MPs /Billbords / ECC ECC.Well done to every one that helped in any way to protect the eggs.
Alfred M. Falzon
Jun 22nd 2012, 10:36
Gnejna bay and Golden Sands bay have been named as being frequented by turles to lay their eggs in the past. But to my recollection, the most popular bay with turtles was the sandy beach on Kummuna. The turtles stopped frequenting that bay when the hotel was built right next to the bay. The sound and light pollution emanating from the said hotel made that sandy beach a 'no go' place for the turtles.
M. Hills
Jun 22nd 2012, 09:52
What a heart warming piece of news ! once hatched these little turtles need quick access to the sea before they are devoured by birds and once in the sea there would be other predators lying in wait to take their pick ... it is common knowledge that out of ninety seven possible turtles only a fraction will make it to adulthood but such is Nature...
Dorris geddes
Jun 25th 2012, 02:17
i don't think you need to worry about birds in malta as they have all been blown out of the sky!
Pule' Carmel
Jun 21st 2012, 22:43
Any conception, birth and germination and grafting of plants is a miracle! We all must go out of our way to ensure that these little turtles have a better chance than if left alone where birds and crocodiles and other animals ravage these eggs and less than 40 % make it back to see. I wonder what the reap success of these eggs will be in Malta after many years where we made our beaches too disturbing for such turtles and preferred other tourists. We must compromise and use a little compassion for these turtles.
D Borg
Jun 21st 2012, 22:29
The ignorance of some people has no limits. I compare the scene @ 00:35 in the video to a scene out of Stephen Spielberg's alien film. How can people disturb such a beauty?! It is obvious from the following scenes hat the turtle was disturbed from the continuous flash light from cameras.
Ok its rare sight but that does not give you the right to take over and show your human superiority!
Also it is evident from the video that there was more than one expert exposing the eggs!
(the other D Borg)
adrian nelson
Jun 21st 2012, 22:22
the same thing happened in Lampedusa ......
http://www.giovanilampedusa.it/notizie/532-la-caretta-caretta-torna-a-deporre-le-uova-a-lampedusa.html
adrian nelson
Jun 21st 2012, 22:20
the same happened in Lampedusa
https://www.facebook.com/farchikala.lampedusa
Joe Portelli
Jun 21st 2012, 21:48
And yet in some countries , who have looked after their wild life, such eggs are in abundance and available on the local market as food.
Malta can make a choice and create zones to bring back 'nature' as intended.
I hear, some politicians promising to reclaim the seabed ( and destroy the shallow reefs further.
That's their choice.....so dont give them a right !
C. Sammut
Jun 23rd 2012, 08:58
Well some areas are no go swimming zones anyway such as the beach at Maghtab exit. Reclaiming that area should not be faulted in my opinion. The reef was destroyed a long time ago with all the toxins from the dump.
Twanny Scerri
Jun 21st 2012, 20:56
Turtle watch volunteers needed - shifts daily from 4-8pm until eggs hatch. Please contact Nature Trust (Malta): Marine Conservation Office [email protected] or write to [email protected]
H Vassallo
Jun 21st 2012, 20:20
This is truly priceless :) thanks for everyone who helped.. Hope the little ones make it. Well done
Justin Farrugia
Jun 21st 2012, 19:04
MEPA have turtle breeders too now, well done ehh....... I hope they didn't kill all those turtles by touching them instead of leaving them in the same place and secure the natural nest done by there mother if they don't hatch the said expert will respond to his actions ???
Toni Borg
Jun 21st 2012, 22:06
Very well said!
I wouldn't have placed 79 chicken eggs in a pail like that one on top of the other let alone tortoise eggs!
Point number 2 is that when digging a hole where to lay her eggs, the mother turtle softens the sand
from where the little ones eventually would have to 'climb' out.
On seeing the above footage, I am really doubtful of how can the little ones climb out of such a steep hole!
Let's hope for the best and that this so called 'foreign-trained expert' really knows what he was doing.
Alfred M. Falzon
Jun 21st 2012, 18:58
The positive response from the public is overwhelming and encouraging to the pertinent authorities to safeguard such natural events. The prompt and efficient response given by those responsible is commendable.
Given that after hatching, the new born turtles' rate of survival is rather low, and given that these turtles are protected spcies, would it be ethically correct to catch a few of them and rear them in captivity, such as the St. Lucian Tower Marine Conservation Center, until such a time that they may stand a better chance of survival? .
P. Attard
Jun 21st 2012, 18:35
This is surely the best local news item for ages! I sincerely hope the experts are indeed what they proclaim to be, and therefore the hatching procedure will be treated with maximum attention and security, without any flashlights please!
Diane Spiteri
Jun 21st 2012, 18:04
Am so happy i saw this video live i was there when the turtle laid the eggs.
Joe Spiteri
Jun 21st 2012, 22:06
Of course you were there. Could not help hearing you all shouting and laughing while the poor creature was trying to lay her eggs "undisturbed" !!
Maria Zammit
Jun 21st 2012, 18:01
Seems to me the eggs have already been disturbed by exposing them to sunlight and putting them in a pail!
Pauline Camilleri
Jun 21st 2012, 17:54
It would be appreciated if insults are not thrown at people so easily. What was done, had to be done because the event happened where it did due to the people present. If there was no one on the beach, apart from the nesting not being recorded, it would have taken place in a safer area and the approach taken by experts would not have been necessary. Kindly check facts before hurling stones. Just be happy about the exent and hope for the best. The Competent Authorities are doing their job and no one is dragging their feet.
Thank You All for following the directions given by the Authorities and for the respect that you might eventually show to the staff.
MARK MIFSUD BONNICI
Jun 21st 2012, 17:42
The turtle eggs in the bucket as show in the picture below is definitely not the work of an expert. If and when such eggs are relocated, it is imperative that the position they were laid is marked and subsequently maintained. Placing an egg upside down would mean the eventual death or disorientation of the embryo.
This is what experts have to say about relocation:
http://news.discovery.com/animals/turtle-egg-relocation.html
"Researchers emphasized that the eggs, before hatching, will not be moved until they have incubated for at least 49 days at their original Northwest Florida nest sites.
Patricia Behnke of the FWC explained that it's believed "magnetic signals, tied to location, come into the sea turtle eggs when they are in the nest." These signals may remain with the sea turtles for decades, guiding females back to their place of origin, where they too may lay their eggs. "
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2010/07/100723-us-oil-spill-turtle-relocation-vin-video/
"One rescuer draws lines with a grease pencil on top of each egg to show which side was up in the nest. The other lifts each out and softly tucks it into a sand and egg-filled cooler – carefully keeping it in the same position from the nest – the young turtles can drown in fluid in the egg. Temperature shifts or vibration can also kill the turtles."
Though the best time to relocate such eggs is immediately after laying, was there really the need to have them moved. IT SEEMS PRIORITY HAS BEEN GIVEN TO BATHERS TO THE DETRIMENT OF THE TURTLES.
Tonio Anastasi
Jun 21st 2012, 18:16
"An expert told timesofmalta.com that the eggs needed to be relocated because they were too close to the sea and risked being washed away if the sea was rough. Furthermore, since there was clay under the sand, there was a risk that the site would overheat, reducing the possibility of successful hatching.The site was also in the most heavily used part of the bay.
The eggs were transferred according to a process which lays down how the eggs are placed in the new location."
D Borg
Jun 21st 2012, 18:31
for once - I agree with you MMB
Steve Zammit
Jun 21st 2012, 21:11
Does this expert process involve the usage of a bucket?
Jonathan Farrugia
Jun 22nd 2012, 08:53
I think the worst thing they have done is that they moved the eggs from their place. i dont think they where going to be washed away by the sea from the place these eggs were laid. If it was my choice what to do in this situation i would have placed a concrete block between the sea shore and the eggs so if rough seas arise the sea water wont wash the eggs away. I hope, I really hope that the eggs and the small turtles will hopefully make it to the world and even more make it from under the sand and to the sea, cause i think even the hole that was made to relocate the eggs is too small and too deep for the small turtles to make it to the surface of the sand. FINGERS CROSSED
Conrad Borg
Jun 22nd 2012, 09:24
Of course...bathers spend money...turtles don't...what would you expect?!!!
The right thing to do was closing the beach totally (as I said before) and guarded 24/7, but NO!...money comes first in this country!!! Bathers can go to swim somewhere else...why can't we let a poor creature nest and give birth in it's own natural habitat. After all...the beach is theirs by right, not ours (humans).
Mr Bartolo Edward
Jun 21st 2012, 17:42
When these eggs hatch, protect the baby turtles from birds until they reach the sea.
Vince Agius
Jun 21st 2012, 19:56
Or is it better to protect the birds until they reach land ???????
Noel Zammit
Jun 21st 2012, 17:37
I have seen this thing happening years ago in lampedusa and the beach is guarded by the wwf.
@ that time I was working on a privete yacht and we tried to anchor into the bay which in the morning was packed with peaple as like our golden bay.
We tried to stay the night but gurdia costiera came and told us that by night this beach is for the turtles to hatch and for no one else so we had to go to port.
wwf members were on top of the beach with night biniculars to see all the beach and the turtle not dusterbed not like in this video .we had jioned them and it was somthing incredible to see happening.
the next morning we went back and found that all the wwf did is make a small rubble wall around the nest with a small opening and covered with mash wire so they did not touch the eggs .
Carmel Vella
Jun 21st 2012, 17:25
Granted that these turtles are valuable in the sense that they consume jellyfish, why can't we raise them in captivity to enhance this process? Once the hatchlings head out to sea, very few will survive the attacks of birds, and ocean predators. This is where we can help. How about a non government , private group organising a few good spirited folk to help watch them?
William Attard McCarthy
Jun 21st 2012, 17:24
Are we serious? Does that barrier/cordoning look decent enough?
Ivan Calleja
Jun 22nd 2012, 00:03
Exactly my thought....Too amateurish!! for a change!!! Hope its a temporary one!!
S. Zahra
Jun 21st 2012, 17:13
please do the right thing ...... close the beach to the public .... maybe one can setup an information centre at the site.
Jonathan Farrugia
Jun 22nd 2012, 08:59
close the beach why??? and where am i going to swim. Maybe i come to your pool if you have one. It was a nonsense comment of you. Close the beach for public cause of the turtles, It a nice thing that this turtle came to malta to lay the eggs but it doesnt mean that we have to close a beach. A very good watch 24/7 is enough i think. Hopefully the turtles make it to the sea, altough i think its very difficult. but hopefully they make it. A miracle we need
Charles Zammit
Jun 21st 2012, 16:31
I feel envy for the lucky people that witnessed this mother nature miracle . Pray th story hasa happy ending .
D Borg
Jun 21st 2012, 16:04
Great news, lets hope they'll survive. We need them to control the Jellyfish problem invading our beaches.
A Mifsud
Jun 21st 2012, 15:58
Just reading other comments- these eggs are an International treasure- they should be protected at all costs- I hope its all being taken very seriously. SO excited for this natural phenomenon- please keep us posted!
A Mifsud
Jun 21st 2012, 15:55
Im so proud of you Malta- taking such great care for such an important thing! Plus they eat the jellyfish - we need more turtles!!! Please keep us posted on the hatchings! Kristine- Canada
Robert Zammit
Jun 21st 2012, 15:20
Beauty Mother Natural of Shell
joe attard
Jun 21st 2012, 15:03
Just a humble suggestion Put a couple of IP cameras on the area one for daylight and one infra red and let people monitor from the internet. Apart from a guard of course.
Does this make these turtles Maltese, the mother was Maltese if they return to the same hatching place.?
And how about reintroducing capital punishment for anybody disturbing the eggs.
victor bonello
Jun 21st 2012, 14:54
a BREATH OF FRESH AIR.. a positive piece of news..not just politics. I must thank George Pullicino for not trying to make political milage out of this, because I would not at all have been surprised if there was a press release that this happened because of Gonzi PN..ha hah ah
GEORGE S DARMANIN
Jun 21st 2012, 16:36
You still were unable to keep politics at bay.
Victor Baldacchino
Jun 21st 2012, 17:28
Insa naqra il politika u hu gost bil natura.
Alexander Pace Gouder.
Jun 21st 2012, 14:46
Beautiful. What a scene it will be when the eggs do hatch. How long do these eggs usually take to hatch? Please ensure that they are protected so that the baby turtles will manage to reach the sea and swim out to the open sea . We need turtles in our waters. If i remember well they are the ones which eat jellyfish.
Peter Agius
Jun 21st 2012, 14:24
Just one word would suffice...........AMAZING.
Emmanuel Ebejer
Jun 21st 2012, 14:20
For the next 60 days, the appropriate authorities should guard the area where the eggs are,well ! Point a 24 hr surveillance camera on that particular area!
Mr Lawrence Mifsud
Jun 21st 2012, 16:14
Good advice. Should be a first in Malta.
In Australia, people pay to see penguins coming to land after their hunting trip.
MARK MIFSUD BONNICI
Jun 21st 2012, 14:19
I'm glad to read the proper procedure has been adopted and the site will be monitored 24/7. Such a rare occurrence deserves the utmost care and respect. Unfortunately due to the limited number of sandy beaches and the high probability of public disturbance, turtles have very few chances of ever achieving success here in Malta.
I trust this episode will serve as an eye-opener for Government to prohibit the use of mechanical means to clean our sandy beaches. Having seen this one turtle lays its eggs does not mean it is the only one that has done so ever since 1960. I am quite sure this happened several times and went by unnoticed with the nest being trampled upon or raked during beach cleaning operations.
I hope this turtle has sent a clear message to all those responsible to manage our beaches and that a more watchful eye is kept from now on for any other such marvelous instances. Beach cleaners should be the first to be trained to recognize the tell-tale signs since they are most likely to be the first persons to visit beaches in the early morning when these are still undisturbed.
Alan Deidun
Jun 21st 2012, 14:12
The last documented turtle nesting in the Maltese Islands occurred over 50 years ago, in 1960, in Ramla tal-Mixquqa (Golden Bay), where it was observed by individuals at il-kamp ta' ghajn tuffieha, who ended up eating the eggs and the adult female:
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20060416/environment/turtle-nesting-in-the-maltese-islands.57024
Steve Zammit
Jun 21st 2012, 14:08
They should close the beach...when are we going to start taking our biodiversity seriously....its a once in a lifetime opportunity....if its a success, years later the young will come again to breed
Doreen Camilleri
Jun 21st 2012, 13:55
Absolutely beautiful!!!!! Please let's take care of this and encourage more of the same!!!!
S. Camilleri
Jun 21st 2012, 13:49
Congratulations to MEPA and Nature trust for a well thought out and timely intervention
Conrad Borg
Jun 21st 2012, 13:45
"Note - The person seen in the video did not actually touch or disturb the eggs. He was an expert who was sifting the sand to confirm that eggs had been laid."
Sorry if this seems a stupid question, but: If everyone present witnessed the turtle laying its eggs, was there really the need for the 'expert' to uncover them to confirm that they were actually laid?
Ivan Calleja
Jun 21st 2012, 13:45
Well done MEPA and all those involved....they seem to have heard my CRY! :-) Hope ALL the Maltese population would make its part by helping this process progress in the best possible way by strictly following the notices issued by the authorities.
Steve Zammit
Jun 21st 2012, 13:41
The eggs should have been left were they were, and a fence put up with guards around 24/7....anyone doing harm should be fined a sum so big that he cannot even pay for it
I hoep they have been relocated to a safe place and guarded all the time before some idiot spoils it all
Steve Zammit
Jun 21st 2012, 13:39
This is GREAT news !! made my day !!!
I hope the eggs will hatch and the young will come again to breed....what those witnessed at Gnejna bay was something common up to a century ago, before disturbance too over
Fantastic news
anthony sultana
Jun 21st 2012, 13:34
The sea turtle,why choose Gnejna not Ramla l-Hamra for example? How easily one can spot a turtle nesting.That was a rare conbination for some one to spot a sea turtle in the dark of the night.Are we sure if there are more other nest in the same beach or other beaches around ?Because this occasion, we should look to all the sandy beaches to see if there is more turtle nests.Now for myself this occasion gave me hope, that soon I will see a sea turtle nesting some where in Gozo,this is going to be another hobby for me.I will start from tonight, if it happen to see one I will report it right away.
martin chetcuti
Jun 21st 2012, 13:29
Fantastic news.!!! . Hope that all ends well now that this magnificent creature chosed one of our beaches. A very rare privilege...
Silvio Agius
Jun 21st 2012, 13:22
MEPA, eyes are on you. And this time i hope you perform.
Victor Pulis
Jun 21st 2012, 13:18
Wouldn't it be great seeing the hatchlings emerge from the sand and scrambling towards the sea? Let's hope that this event ends successfully and that more like it will follow. Knowing our record 24 hour surveilance is a must until the big day.
Mr R Galea
Jun 21st 2012, 13:16
Great news indeed. Lets hope the eggs hatch and return to the sea. This can happen again in same bay or other bays around Malta. Mepa should see that information about Sea Turtles and their laying in sandy beaches is available in form of information boards, leaflets etc, so people visiting such places can know what to do if such thing happens again, including important telephone numbers.
JIMMY ATANASIO
Jun 21st 2012, 12:56
in that case the malta police should be on watch of these eggs until they hatch and gone to see.maltese people are not what you call patient for things to happen.anybody that come close to the nest should be fined
kevin camilleri
Jun 21st 2012, 12:49
close gnejna beach to the public.That is the only solution to avoid any disturbance!!!!
Conrad Borg
Jun 21st 2012, 12:46
Most probably it's already too late if people were admitted on the beach...
Joseph M Scicluna
Jun 21st 2012, 12:45
Thanks for the footnote. I was already turning red when I saw a hand sifting sand to show the eggs. Well done expert and please keep us informed of the outcome. Let's hope that these eggs will not be disturbed.
Mr John Borg
Jun 21st 2012, 13:44
How lucky, the expert was at hand at the time the turtle laid the eggs.
I Doubt!
Ivan Calleja
Jun 21st 2012, 12:40
Lets see how long will MEPA take to decide!!! Hope that by TODAY they will have a plan of action on how to manage this delicate situation!! Otherwise these eggs would be in very serious danger!! Come on MEPA, for once show to the world that you can handle a situation in the best possible way!!! ACT FAST please!
Reinhard Azzopardi
Jun 21st 2012, 13:06
It seems that they have beaten you to it! Let's hope that the best decision was taken. Only time will tell.
Joseph Aquilina
Jun 21st 2012, 12:37
"MEPA said it is taking the necessary action to assess the situation and evaluate the best approach to be taken in response to this event. Furthermore Mepa is coordinating with the Ministry for Tourism, Culture and the Environment; the Malta Police Force; and officials within the Ministry for Resources and Rural Affairs on the best course of action."
They should not be left unattended, not even for a minute.
lilly vella
Jun 21st 2012, 12:30
din xi haga specjali ghal pajjizna
Shaldon Micallef
Jun 21st 2012, 12:29
This is an opportunity to start having sea turtles lay their eggs on our beaches , and everything should be done to protect the eggs as much as possible. As far as i know turtles will return to the same beach they were born to lay their eggs, so if everything goes well we might restart a cycle of turtles laying their eggs here.For heaven's sake dont move them, and do whatever is neccessary to protect them, if there is something we lack in Malta, its ecotourism and this will be very positive for nature in malta on the whole as well as for tourism, im sure that if we lack funds we would find volunteers who will be happy to stand watch over the eggs. Whatever it takes , this is an opportunity that no one expected and we must do our utmost to protect the eggs and have them hatch safely.
NATASHA CASSAR SACCO
Jun 21st 2012, 12:25
Nixtieq nirringrazzja nies bhal Mark Zammit Cordina li ha tal-video halli haddiehor seta jara avvenimenti bhal dawn. Avvenimenti rari!!!! Ghalkemm suppost komuni. Din hija il-problema tad-dinja tal-llum. Affarijiet li suppost huma naturali rajna kif gibnihom rarita. Missu jisthi kull persuna li baqghet tiehu ir-ritratti bil-flash u ma hallewiex taghmel dak li kellha taghmel fil-kwiet dil-povra fekruna. Mur gib lilna nippruvaw naghmlu xi haga simili. Kemm indumu sejrin biha li ma hallewniex fil-privatezza. Jien l-ewwel wahda li kont noqghod hemm biex nara imma kont naghlaq ghalqa halqi noqghod bilqieghda u nara mhux qishu konna qedin il marc. Jista xi hadd wiehed li JAF IL-FATTI, jaghti hjiel x'sar mill bajd? Jew jekk ghadhom hemm xi prekawzjonijiet ser jittiehdu biex jigu issalvagwardjati?? U jista ukoll xi hadd jghidilna min kienu dawk il-persuni li kixfu il-bajd? Ghax jekk kien Cikku l-poplu mod, imma jekk kienu nies li jifhmu u ghandhom ghal qalbhom in-natura gejjin min xi NGO mod iehor...ghax kullhadd iparla, jghidu u jgheda......u fatti ta' xejn....
Li minghalija hu zgur hu li fekruna terga tbid fejn tkun twiedet. Allura jista xi espert jghidilna jekk hux minhhu dan? Ghax allura ifisser li jew din kienet l-ewwel esperjenza ghal din il-fekruna jew fil-verita ghadhom isiru u ma nafux....u kieku jkun hekk tant l-ahjar.
Johnathan Cilia
Jun 21st 2012, 12:18
Let's hope noone does anything stupid and the eggs are left alone, in peace. If they are left alone and not tampered with, they will hopefully hatch and in another 30 or 40 years a nice little group of turtles may come back to Malta to lay their eggs.
William Attard McCarthy
Jun 21st 2012, 12:38
Jonathan, unfortunately those eggs are of hindrance to the scores of people who have took over the beach permanently with their caravans and such...
Ivan Calleja
Jun 21st 2012, 12:55
The people are a hindrance and not the eggs. The authorities have a chance to show their teeth if they have any left!!!
Reinhard Azzopardi
Jun 21st 2012, 12:17
I've been thinking... this article has been online for over 4 hours and there is not ONE comment from experts like Alan Deidun. Where are they? Why can't they pop online for a few minutes and teach us a thing or two?
Edward Vella
Jun 21st 2012, 13:09
That's because there are so many people on timesofmalta.com who think they are experts they just dont bother and assume people are intelligent to figure it out by themselves.
Ramon Mangion
Jun 21st 2012, 13:41
senseless comment. Maybe because people such as Dr Deidun have other things to do not just sitting comfortably writing such comments ?
Sean Azzopardi
Jun 21st 2012, 14:22
mr azzopardi , have you eveer thought that they might be busy working on the protection of the eggs and learning more about them since this is a rare thing to happen in Malta for someone with a profession in marine biology. If you really want to learn , you should take it into your own initiative , and not expect a times of malta blog to teach you ...and leave the experts to do what they do
Alan Deidun
Jun 21st 2012, 14:24
thks Reinhard for the very flattering appellation Reinhard but I was engaged underwater on fieldwork all morning and unfortunately I cannot be online every single minute - last recorded/documented turtle nesting by a loggerhead turtle occurred over 50 years ago, in 1960, in what's today Golden Bay, by the way - loggerheads have a more westward and central distribution in the Medn than green turtles which are more exclusively restricted to Cypriot and Turkish waters
Reinhard Azzopardi
Jun 22nd 2012, 13:35
Thanks Dr. Deidun. Anything coming from people like you who know the subject would be of great interest to many of us bloggers who tend to speak from our hearts rather than our heads.
Mr Lawrence Mifsud
Jun 21st 2012, 12:16
to Maco Caruana's comment...
People who do not take such news as good news tend to go further, and vandalize.
D Borg
Jun 21st 2012, 12:14
I am no expert in the subject - and whilst I have serious reservations about 'messing' around with the eggs one may need to evaluate matters further....
Gnejna Bay is not the bay every turtle longs to lay eggs in - considering the human disturbances as evidenced in the same video - bright light, nutheads exposing the eggs, noise etc...
Thus - with the real experts' direct guidance, it may be possible to relocate (very delicately) some of the eggs to say Ramla il-Hamra, Sta. Marija Bay (Comino), and San Blas or any other sandy patch that is exposed to the least human induced pollution.
This will possibly increase the chances of such events happening in other sites.
Vera Sant Fournier
Jun 21st 2012, 12:11
Authorities need to close off this beach and protect it, usually turtles return to the same beach they where born on to lay there own eggs. Note that more turtles means less jelly fish too...how beautiful to see this on our island, hope to see more and hope to see the authorities declare Gnejna as a protected area.
S. Camilleri
Jun 21st 2012, 12:09
Why on earth did people have to dig around the eggs!!!!! The area around the nest... Maybe a couple of meters around it should be ring fenced and 24 hour monitoring with hd CCTV put in place. Unfortunately we Maltese are still a bit Neanderhal when it comes to protecting our natural heritage. On the other hand suggestions to close off the whole beach are nothing short of crazy.
I Micallef
Jun 21st 2012, 12:07
Either the beach is closed until the hatchlings are born ...or they are moved to a beach like Ramla in Gozo, and are protected in a place where impact on the environment can be controlled ... these turtles return to the place where they are born, perhaps its better we ensure they return to a safer beach ...
Joe Xuereb
Jun 21st 2012, 12:06
Malta's parochialism surfaces in situations like this - 'qishom qatt ma raw xejn'.* OK, to be fair it is not a sight I would see every day (or every decade) but if I did, common sense would tell me to be cautious after the initial excitement because that is what Nature is, exciting. In no way would I disturb the eggs, instead choosing to inform the Authorities so that they took the necessary measures for protection. I understand that in Cephalonia there are even rules in place concerning lights on the beach as these affect, and mislead, nestling turtles.
The nestling/birthing process is nothing short of miraculous. But that is Nature for you. Like migrating birds, returning to the place of birth is an instinct that should leave us in awe. It leaves me in awe when I often get a bit confused getting from A to B. We must not meddle with phenomena like these that teach us so much. Destroying - or at any rate, not understanding/
/appreciating this lesson - is to our detriment as humans.
http://believe-or-not.blogspot.co.uk/2007/04/birth-of-turtle.html
*This reminds me of that other Maltese phenomenon. If there is a beauty-spot they want to build and live there. Thereby destroying the beauty at a stroke.
Wilfred Camilleri
Jun 21st 2012, 12:05
Oh by the way - will the bay be monitored to see if other turtles are coming up to lay eggs?
If thats the case they there is only one way out - move the humans on the rocky and let these creatures lay their eggs in peace and quite - it just happens once a year. I wouldn't be worried about tourism at all - if you explain (nicely) to tourists that the beach is closed since there are precious turtle eggs there they will be more than happy to go somewhere else or to go on the rocky sides - which is still a wonderful place in Gnejna.
Conrad Borg
Jun 21st 2012, 11:50
In my opinion, the beach should be totally closed to the public and guarded day and night. Placing a perimieter around the nest will not be enough! Knowing Maltese stupidity, there will be certainly 'trophy-hunters' trying to steal at least one egg as a souvenir...
NATASHA CASSAR SACCO
Jun 21st 2012, 12:34
well said....it would also be nice to involve the general public maybe, to safe guard these eggs. If not mistaken when things like this happen abroad on popular beaches, instead of closing off the beach groups of people take it in turns to physically watch out, day and night. so that when the actual hatching takes place all of us could enjoy some professional footage on it.
Dan Jensen
Jun 21st 2012, 11:47
What a beautiful animal.
But why did you have to try and dig the eggs up? Why not just leave them alone?
You`d be best of to close the beach off for the period the eggs are there as they are inevitably going to be dug up by someone else and maybe even smashed and ruined. But let`s face it, Malta would never do that as tourism is more important than the nature and animal life. The evaluation is, where is the highest possible capital return? Simple > Tourism....
Sean Azzopardi
Jun 21st 2012, 12:03
nowadays tourists are happier knowing a place is protecting and saving it s enviorment .... if the situation is handled the wrong way and the news breaks out to the tourists its worse
Mark Brincat
Jun 21st 2012, 11:45
Aghlqu l-bajja mhux tmexxu l-bajd tkunux idjoti
M. Grech
Jun 21st 2012, 11:41
nest should be cordeoned off for protection until eggs hatch and the tiny tots make it out to sea. Meanwehile a watch should be kept throughout the incubation period. This is an opportunity for a unique expe rience for yuong people if some enterprising summer school takes the initiative. Meanwhile take a look at this site as we can learn a lot from our nexxt dorr neighbors on the care of turtle nests........
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/CRTM-Linosa-Centro-Recupero-Tartarughe-Marine-di-Linosa/123319661071731
B. Jones
Jun 21st 2012, 11:47
totally agree
anthony sultana
Jun 21st 2012, 11:38
I look at this video 10 times already it is like a dream came true.I use to spend lots of money to go and see a sea turtle nesting in Florida and I was not alone there was thousants like me, and I only saw one nesting, but I saw lots of small once that just hatch in the sea.
Mr Alexander Azzopardi
Jun 21st 2012, 11:37
Nispera li jaqbdu u Jaghlqu il Bajja u mhux iresqu il bajd, ma nafx lim Idiota kien li hareg bdin l idea li jilab ma natura
Mr Karl Ciarlo'
Jun 21st 2012, 11:32
I think that not only should the nest be protected, by armed guard if necessary, right away and expert advice sought about the best way to ensure these eggs are hatched but, sandy beaches should be protected at nightfall and monitored to offer these creatures the best possibility of returning and eventually hatch their offspring.
G Portelli
Jun 21st 2012, 11:23
Ghagir stupidu ta min haffer biex jikxef il-bajd. Ghax ma marx ifittex fuq l-internet jekk ried ikun jaf kif inhuma. Il-post ghandu jinghalaq forsi din ix-xena tirrepeti ruhha.
Justin Spiteri
Jun 21st 2012, 11:23
Povra Fekruna, ma gabitx permess mill mepa biex tbid il bajd .... will she be fined?
avy vella-garlitz
Jun 21st 2012, 12:41
LOL NICE ONE!!
Michael Borg
Jun 21st 2012, 11:23
i hope the germans CABS will send the drone to gnejna now !!!!!
William Attard McCarthy
Jun 21st 2012, 11:57
...if needs be, why not?
Ivan Calleja
Jun 21st 2012, 12:20
Kemm int vojt Borg!!
Mario Edwin Rayner
Jun 21st 2012, 13:25
I would tranform the bay in a Turtle Sanctuary and close it off for good,just like they did with Ghadira Nature Reserve and Simar
Kurt Magro
Jun 21st 2012, 11:16
WOW !! ... then need protection !
aldo Attard
Jun 21st 2012, 11:13
At least what we cultured Homo Sapiens destroy, mother nature in her divine generosity tries to restore for our well being.
Please cordon the area sensibly and inform the general public by placing a small placard with summarized informal knowledge.
A kind act of MEPA is required.
Alfred M. Falzon
Jun 21st 2012, 11:11
The eggs should be left in place and let nature take its course. However, the site where the eggs were laid should be cordoned off and protected until they hatch. The pertinent authorities should see to that and start an education campaign making everyone aware that: noise, light, including photographic flash lights, not only disrupt the process but discourages the turtles from approaching a suitable area where to lay their eggs. Let us remember that sea turtles eat jellyfish, so we would be better off if we let nature take its course.
Sean Azzopardi
Jun 21st 2012, 12:07
agreed
Jean Carl Grech
Jun 21st 2012, 11:09
Oh and by the way.........Last November I was in Hawaii, and for your info........
If you are convicted of turtle harassment you could be fined up to $10,000 or $20,000 dollars. A You-tube video of someone harassing a sea turtle might be sufficient evidence to result in a conviction.
Malta LEARN!
William Attard McCarthy
Jun 21st 2012, 11:18
Jean Carl, Malta will never learn.
Jean Carl Grech
Jun 21st 2012, 11:05
Cordon off the area, if possible WITH BARRIERS, ghax in-niex hekk jifhmu. And for God's sake, don't touch the eggs like you already did!!! Why did you touch them on the video???? They were buried by the turtle at a certain depth for a reason!! Kif kollox irridu inbabsu imma........
Mark Mifsud Bonnici is totally right!!
MEPA WAKE UP, it's just two months until they hatch, come on!!!!!!
William Attard McCarthy
Jun 21st 2012, 11:05
A huge "well-done" to whoever used their flashes... and an even larger ovation to the one who disturbed the eggs....and all in the presence of the so-called experts.
Your sheer arrogance towards nature, and your plain stupidity, amazes me! Even the Neanderthals could do better than you!
These incidents highlight the superiority complex some so-called "humans" revel in towards other species.
Move the eggs to a safer place, huh? Now whose bright idea was that? The eggs should be left where they are, and protected. Is this such an impossible thing to do in 2012 in an eco-oriented country?
Nadine Genovese
Jun 21st 2012, 12:11
agree
Reinhard Azzopardi
Jun 21st 2012, 12:15
Eco-oriented country? Malta? Not in a million years.
Wilfred Camilleri
Jun 21st 2012, 11:01
For sure if this turtle came to lay its eggs here - it either had done so before or actually was born on that bay! Turtle don't choose a bay at random they are more complex than we think!!
So please if there are Marine biologists out there who are competent enough in the subject, they should help the authorities fully! Should the eggs be moved? If yes how and where to? This is very important as these are not chicken eggs and tend to be very sensitive to temperature and the environment.
Its a wonderful thing that we are seeing this again and we should thank our lucky starts that a turtle is trying to reproduce, when we feel and see the effect of the lack of presence of turtles in the sea by the huge amount of Jelly fish in the sea!!
I am sure that people are amazed when they see something like this, but we need education also - to learn let animals be "natural" - look and observe from a distance and it will be a great experience to remember - not making life Hell to any life form that is just living its normal life!
Reinhard Azzopardi
Jun 21st 2012, 11:08
That's what I'm thinking too. It was either born there before 1960 or else other turtles have laid there eggs since then and have never been observed.
Joseph Grech Attard
Jun 21st 2012, 11:16
You are more than 100% right!
Nobody should experiment with things that are not completely understood. One can do irreparable damage!
This incident is such a positive blessing, something which is needed badly in our little island. I feel we should protect and watch. Any type of handling could be mishandling. Persons with experience on such natters should be contacted and their opinions considered, before one does anything. If there are doubts, leave nature to do its work unhindered.
Rudolf Camilleri
Jun 21st 2012, 10:51
this is indeed very wrong. How come do we get to handle turtle's eggs with our own hands?? Please, no silly decisions by MEPA or other "Experts" leave the eggs where they are and let nature take it's course. don't be stupid :))
John Xuereb
Jun 21st 2012, 10:51
l-ahhar darba li giet tbid fil-Gnejna dik il-fekruna! kien hemm bzonn li dik il-gemghha nies tersaq daqsekk vicin?? Xi hadd innota kemm harbet tghum il-fekruna hekk kif nizlet fl-ilma?
ara vera ahna l-Maltin injoranti ta..... tal-misthija......
mank lahqet telqet li ma marrux ihafru ha jaraw il-bajd, u kixfuhom ukoll...
John L Galea
Jun 21st 2012, 10:50
Will the eggs be protected until they hatch? I hope so.
Mr Victor Borg
Jun 21st 2012, 10:47
Some observations:
1) Moving turtle eggs to safer spots is an established practice by naturalists, so this is not the no-no it is made out to be: of course it would have to be done right - I have witnessed such interventions myself in small islands in the Philippines.
2) But better than moving the eggs would be to put up a fence around them to protect them from people and other predators (such as cats and snakes), let them hatch naturally and ensure no one disturbs them on their way to the sea. I think permanent guard is needed and a system devised so that all lights in the bay are switched off when the turtles hatch - assuming they will hatch at night (most do hatch at night).
The video itself is rather disturbing, with people making a raucous and taking pictures by flash - such behaviour is inappropriate and dangerous, and doesn't auger well for the survival of the eggs.
Alfred E. Baldacchino
Jun 21st 2012, 10:45
It is indeed good news to read that a marine turtle has nested in Gnejna Bay. This offers the opportunity for more appreciation of nature and also opens up a new horizon with regards to scientific studies of why such a marine turtle chose Gnejna Bay. The reason is that usually marine turtle nests during moonless night, and the beach was floodlight.
MEPA is the Competent Authority responsible to ensure that such a scientific event is allowed to take its full course. From the video there were too many meddling hands trying to uncover the eggs after these were covered by the marine turtle, for a possible photo or two. Not a good start at all! MEPA has got competent personnel who have had hands-on experience in Cyprus during the breeding season of marine turtles. They are supposed to know the bare essentials for the necessary measures to be taken. Furthermore, MEPA has got national and international obligations to ensure that such an event does not fail. Such obligations arise out of the Special Protected Areas and Biodiversity in the Mediterranean, under the Barcelona Convention, and also those of the European Habitats Directive. Such an event can throw more light on the little known Mediterranean population of the marine turtles, especially during their breeding season.
Furthermore, MEPA has got good contact; at least it had in the past, with the Cyprus Government with regards to the study, conservation, protection and management of marine turtles during the breeding season. It would not be that expensive to have them on sight for their professional advice.
MEPA has to act fast, very very fast, to save this nest, considering the negative, myopic and I would say ignorant comments already expressed by one or two on this blog.
I am not very optimistic on this, both because MEPA drags its feet on such positive conservation projects, despite its obligations, and Government might feel threatened because of tourism projects, if this succeed! However, I can always be proved wrong, which I hope I will.
Steve Zammit
Jun 21st 2012, 14:13
agreed !!
Well done Nature Trust, keep an eye on MEPA, i'm sorry but I don't trust them at all
Joseph Aquilina
Jun 21st 2012, 10:45
Can we get an official statement from the authority responsible for these things ... if we have anything like that in Malta!! are the eggs still there?? Can't anyone investigate further??
Rachel Agius
Jun 21st 2012, 10:43
The really smart thing to do would be to cordon off the area around the nesting site, large enough to prevent disturbance to the eggs, and take this as an opportunity to educate people about these wonderful reptiles and the dangers they face at sea through pollution. The actual hatching can also offer educational insight [from a safe distance, of course] and then who knows, maybe thirty or forty years down the line these hatchlings will return to this beach to lay eggs of their own.
Mr Ian Xuereb
Jun 21st 2012, 10:43
Jiena nibqa mbellah b'dawn L-Esperti tal- MEPA!!!!! Jifhmu f'kollox Alla jbierek!!!! Dik il-Mulej Alla halaqa sabiex tbid gor-ramel u n-natura hemm hekk galita tbid. Issa nispera li tippreservaw dik l-area sabiex il-bajd jibqa intatt u mhux jinholoq xi zatat u jmur icaqlaq il-bajd al post iehor.
John Xuereb
Jun 21st 2012, 11:03
intik ragun 100%, diga kien hemm min hu zattat li hafer ha jara l-bajd. Titli quddiem l-isem inpoggu kieku imma naqra sens komun m'ghandniex!
Lucienne Dimech
Jun 21st 2012, 10:40
A scene of hope indeed. Nature at its best without man's intrusion
Melanie Drury
Jun 21st 2012, 10:39
Why oh why was it necessary to dig around the eggs just so we could "see" them? What is the point? Even in India (and I have often been asked why I would go to such a poor, dirty and backward country (!!??) they simply would put a mesh around the site with a nesting date and a hatching date on it and let nature take its course and nobody would even dream of stealing or moving the eggs. Pffff. I was so fortunate one time to witness the hatching and hold a baby turtle in my hand before ensuring it was escorted safely to the water. The joy I cannot describe. Sadly, as in this case, sometimes our ignorance and arrogance just completely gets out of hand.
Mr Victor Borg
Jun 21st 2012, 11:30
Dr Kanjana Adulyanukosol, one of the leading Asian marine biologists, and a person who has been working with turtles and turtle conservation in Asia for 40 years, lamented to me (I was interviewing her for an article) about the events involved in handling turtle hatchlings like you did - many beaches/resorts organise such turtle-releasing events in Asia because it's a tourist attraction - and that handled turtles are normally hatched artificially (so that they could all be released during the event) and the combination of artificial hatching and stress of release and handling by giddy tourists cause many of the turtles' unwitting death when released. And that those that don't die may not be able to lay eggs themselves. She also told me that she wanted to see such events prohibited, and such events are a denigration of turtle conservation.
In this sense I find it ironic that you are proud of such behaviour - and saying it gave you a "joy" that you cannot describe - and it is also ironic that you are talking about the "ignorance and arrogance" of others.
Melanie Drury
Jun 22nd 2012, 13:24
Dear Victor
Perhaps the Marine Biologist is right but I stumbled on the beach by chance on that day and there was not tourist event going on... there were about 10 of us on a huge beach with about 30 nests and only a handful of them hatched that day. It is a conservation beach and therefore the artificial hatching thing does not apply in this case and all that happened was an authentic hatching with humans witnessing. As they were being let out of the wire mesh a guy said I could hold one just for a few seconds and I am sure the turtle would not have suffered any trauma from my affection and joy, just as no living thing would. I am sorry that business sometimes happens at the expense of nature but this was not such a case and therefore what I said earlier still stands.
Quote: "The Morjim beach is a nesting and hatching habitat of the Olive ridley sea turtle, an endangered species. They are afforded the highest degree of protection under Indian law through their inclusion in Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. Poaching eggs or in any manner disturbing the turtles or their habitat is an offence punishable under Indian law.
Protection of marine turtles and their habitat has been embraced by the local community through community-based conservation efforts. These efforts were commenced sometime in the years 1995-96 by a number of local villagers after discussions with Goa-based environmental protection groups. Before this time, the eggs were poached by fishermen, but later the fishermen became some of the fiercest protectors of marine turtles.
The Goa Forest Department supports the turtle conservation efforts and has set up a Turtle Conservation Interpretation Centre at the Forest Office in Pernem utilising funds allotted by the Central Government of India. The Forest Department also pays a monthly stipend to young local volunteers involved in marine turtle conservation efforts in Morjim. A few of these volunteers have even found jobs with the Forest Department in recognition of their efforts. Some youth of Morjim have also gone on to campaign internationally by doing stints on the Greenpeace ship Rainbow Warrior.
The Tourism Department of the Government of Goa has aided the conservation efforts by restricting temporary seasonal structures (e.g. shacks) to only a portion of the beach, and requiring them to operate only during daylight hours. Owners of the structures are also legally obliged not to leave beach furniture strewn about after daylight hours and not to do anything that would adversely affect marine turtle conservation."
Joe Xuereb
Jun 21st 2012, 10:37
Min vera jemmen fil-ħolqien u l-ġmiel tan-natura qatt ma messu għajjat u werżaq u ndaħal meta 'mara' kienet qed twilled. Immaġinaw mara f'sodda u madwarha storbju u 'flashes'. Dawk il-bajd ta' dan il-fekruna meraviljuża u ħadd ma kellu d-dritt imisshom. Nibża' għalihom għax dan pajjiż fejn il-moħqrija tal-għasafar jaċċettawha mingħajr ħakka ta' għajn għax dejjem għallmuna li l-annimali ma għandhomx ruħ. Mur obsor! L-awtoritajjiet għandhom jagħmlu kuntatt ma' postijiet fejn dan il-fenomenu hu komuni - Kefalonia(?) - u jitolbu parir kif wieħed għandu jopra f'sitwazzjoni bħal din.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tortoise Jew fittex 'Birthing Turtles'. Sadanittant, il-post fejn il-fekruna tal-baħar biedet l-uliedha tal-ġejjieni għandu jkun indukrat assolutament sakemm ifaqqsu.
Ghal min għandu xi ħsieb li jisraq il-bajd biex jagħmel froġa, il-froġa hi l-att tas-serq għax bil-bajd ta' fekruna ma jsirux frejjeġ. Il-froġa hi l-moħħ ta' min intenzjonat jagħmel straġi minn att tan-Natura.
Sew ngħid! Il-Ġenna qiegħda hawn fuq l-art, frott ta' l-edukazzjoni > il-għerf.. U l-Infern ukoll għal dawk li ma għandhomx valuri imma nuqqas ta' fehma għaqlija.
Debbie Toson
Jun 21st 2012, 10:36
Can anyone explain why somone had to disturb the sand to see the eggs? Does anyone know if this would affect the possibility of them hatching?
I would hope that the area is protected until they hatch, enter the sea and swim off without some idiot trying to capture any of them.
david debattista
Jun 21st 2012, 10:36
They need protection by people who really know what they are doing !
Sean Azzopardi
Jun 21st 2012, 10:35
i think some people should have had more respect for this animal whilst laying its eggs and avoid taking pictures using a flash , therefore avoiding any stress on the animal at such a fragile time as giving birth . If the hatchlings are successful and if this ever happens again they should immediately get this beach protected and closely monitored .
Nyal Xuereb
Jun 21st 2012, 10:34
Imma kemm ahna bravi ahna il Maltin? Minn huma dawk il professuri li minghalijhom qed jaghmlu xi haga sewwa haffru madwar il bajd? Imma kemm tista tkun bahnan? Kieku riedet taghmel hekk il fekruna kienet taghmilhom hekk hi. Halluhom erbgha bajdiet bil kwiet. Imissu isir sinjal kif suppost biex hadd ma jirfisom u daqsekk.
Mark J. Magri
Jun 21st 2012, 10:26
These beautiful and well-needed creatures are sometimes more inteligent than humans.
Therefore these turtles should be well protected and watched from all vandalism they could face from
environment culprits!
GRANPINTO
Deirdre Farrugia
Jun 21st 2012, 10:19
Fantastic! What a sight :)
Why did those idiots dig the sand up?!!!! Sigh... how ignorant, what a shame. Can't people just leave well alone?!!!!
B Attard
Jun 21st 2012, 10:17
The turtle knew exactly were she had to lay her eggs. Just protect them please, and no silly decisions by Mepa and other wanna be persons.
Elaine Debono
Jun 21st 2012, 10:15
Hopefully MEPA will ensure that these eggs are not moved or disturbed and no permits for large parties etc given. Reptile eggs are sensitive to ground disturbances and temperatures.
MARK MIFSUD BONNICI
Jun 21st 2012, 10:15
The video also shows people handling the eggs. how very appropriate!!
A recent feature on discovery Channel showing a conservation project in Cyprus showed a marked difference to the slipshod handling shown in the video. The nest area was marked and signposted and nature was left to take its course under the supervision of conservationists.
The turtle lays its eggs at a specific depth where the sand temperature is perfect for hatching. This is so perfect that males are normally hatched from the lowest eggs and females from those on top.
HERE IN MALTA OUR "EXPERTS" ARE ALREADY THINKING ABOUT WHETHER TO MOVE THE EGGS TO A SAFER PLACE!!!
THIS AREA SHOULD BE CORDONED OFF AND NATURE SHOULD BE LEFT TO TAKE ITS COURSE UNDER THE WATCHFUL EYES OF THE MANY CONSERVATIONISTS. ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS - THIS IS THEIR CHANCE TO PROVE THEIR WORTH.
M camilleri
Jun 21st 2012, 10:20
100% agree..
B Attard
Jun 21st 2012, 10:37
Prosit Mark naqbel mieghek. Min ikun imdorri jfaqqas it-tjur jaf kemm huma sensittivi dawn il-mumenti. Zball ckejken u ma jfaqqas xejn.
Christopher Ripard
Jun 21st 2012, 10:38
Very well said, Mark! Our first chance in 50 years to have turtles breed in Malta and we threaten to blow it from day 1. Expert advice should be sought post-haste, maybe we can salvage the situation.
Jean Carl Grech
Jun 21st 2012, 11:25
Nice one Mark.........Spot On!!!
Steve Zammit
Jun 21st 2012, 13:42
I have to agree with you on this one Mark !!
D Borg
Jun 21st 2012, 16:19
You have to keep in mind that the turtle was disturbed when nesting.....with flashlights, people all around, noise, etc.
Recently on a Discovery programme on Cuba, I saw that they also move the eggs to a safer place when they nest on a busy beach. As in this case, the turtle laid the eggs in close proximity (too close) to the sea, endangering the same eggs. So by moving them they are protecting them!
In our case, the turtle must have panicked and quickly done what nature expects it to do.
R. Caruana
Jun 21st 2012, 10:15
Who the hell that the STUPID.. yes STUPID idea of digging the eggs out? "Let's do it like they do on TV" only shows massive immaturity especially to these creature who are particularly sensitive to temperature changes.
M Grima
Jun 21st 2012, 10:12
Did it not occur to those idiots which were gathered around the turtle while she was laying her eggs and those which were taking flash photography, that they could have easily disturbed this magnificent from laying her eggs. But, the cream of idiots were those who uncovered the sand to see the eggs.
I am not an expert on turtles but I would not move anything. I would just put a low fence around the area which should lead right up to the sea and have it guarded day and night. This will give a chance for the little ones to hatch and maybe to return again in adult form to hatch their own eggs.
S Farrugia
Jun 21st 2012, 10:11
How beautiful! Let's hope that common sense prevails!
O. Grixti
Jun 21st 2012, 10:09
Protect these turtles, protect their eggs, these creature are the only solution for Malta to get rid of the jellyfish. We need more of them and if they started again to lay eggs, keep them their and protect them.
Ramo Cole
Jun 21st 2012, 10:09
Poor Maltese People, It's soo obvious that the 2 companies offer large bundle packs at very high rates. So much so that the majority of maltese do not afford the animal planet channel and remain astonished at some thing like this.
With their ignorance they really risked to interrupt the turtle from laying down her eggs, cus their egocentricity told them that they couldn't simply step aside and let live.
This is why global warming, this is why the balance of life is threatened. Humans are the cause!
We lately hear a lot about aliens that may come visit. But after all these years we still do not realize that to nature and other living creatures, i.e to this world we are the aliens visiting. Those eggs will never hatch, baby turtles will never touch water,
USELESS NGO's won't be doing anything about it, they are their just as image, in many years of foundation they haven't done much, almost nothing. Germans had to take over with their planes to assist nature cus maltese NGO's were, still are, and will remain SLEEPING,
" This is the world calling here are our votes! MALTA: DISQUALIFYING POINTS! "
Karl Abela
Jun 21st 2012, 10:36
Ramo this is very much the same thing as British people getting all so excited because the sun is shining. So get a life and put things into perspective before you try and insult the Maltese. Let us all celebrate this good news during a time when all we just hear is global warming and illegal bird hunting.
twanny borg
Jun 21st 2012, 10:07
veru hasra ahna l-maltin mhux kapaci inhallu n-natura bi kwieta irridu neqirdu kollox. sahta!
Clive Gerada
Jun 21st 2012, 10:06
A sea turtle is least likely to abandon nesting when she is laying her eggs, but some turtles will abort the process if they are harassed or feel they are in danger. For this reason, it is important that sea turtles are never disturbed during nesting. Once all the eggs are in the chamber, the mother turtle uses her rear flippers to push sand over the top of the egg cavity. Gradually, she packs the sand down over the top and then begins using her front flippers to refill the body pit and disguise the nest. By throwing sand in all directions, it is much harder for predators to find the eggs. After the nest is thoroughly concealed, the female crawls back to the sea to rest before nesting again later that season or before beginning her migration back to her feeding ground. Once a female has left her nest, she never returns to tend it.
anthony sultana
Jun 21st 2012, 10:05
I can"t believe it,this is history at its work,now I will love Malta even more,what a sight, wish I was there,we must make sure that they hatch and go safety to sea at all cost.Thanks to all the people that they where there to help our wildlife for future success.
Samantha Pace Gasan
Jun 21st 2012, 09:58
they should leave them where they were laid & watch over them!
vella m
Jun 21st 2012, 10:07
@Samantha Pace Gasan,I agree with you 100%,I hope that the authorities will protect the eggs and the site itself.
A Wood
Jun 21st 2012, 09:58
Thats right, dig up the eggs, seconds from after the Turtle had buried them. How about leaving them well alone. If the hatchlings survive to adulthood, then they may well return to the same place, and lets face it, with Maltese hunters shooting and eating everything that moves, Malta could do with the increase in wildlife!
Alexander Buttigieg
Jun 21st 2012, 09:54
This is an awesome event. I hope that the authorities would make the right decisions and protect the eggs and the site itself. It is unwise to handle or move the eggs to another location as this would cause a change in temperature in the transfer time. The area around the eggs should be temporarily closed with a barrier, and a notice put up. The boathouses and kiosk owners could also help with keeping watch.
Remember that these are endangered species and are fully protected by law. Let us show that we do care.
Joseph Aquilina
Jun 21st 2012, 09:50
Please put 24/7 on the whole area or move them to a secure location where they can hatch without anyone touching them or worse steal them!! Is there any responsible authority?? I would also give a prize money to Mark Zammit Cordina and Josette Bianco or who ever made the discovery to encourage people to report such events!! Good job and hope we have more of such events here in Malta!!
ALFRED BRIFFA
Jun 21st 2012, 09:46
Nispera li xi hadd joqghod ghassa taghhom dawn il-bajd, ghax npoggi rasi taht mannara li lanqas tilhaq tghattihom bir-ramel li ma johduhomlix!! Kulhadd jaf li hawn hafna delettanti li jiehdu l-affarijiet min kull fejn isibu!
Matthew Farrugia
Jun 21st 2012, 09:44
the underwater world is an amazing place to be in ... see for yourself some wonders around our island www.underwaterwonders.eu
Joe Mifsud
Jun 21st 2012, 09:40
Jekk joqodu jistennew il Mepa x ser taghmel naccertkom li l bajd jilhaq ifaqqas u l frieh jilhqu jaslu sabiex biex ibidu huma .Jilhqu jghaddu 30 sena.Halluhom bi kwiethom u naghmel l ghassa maghhom . Jekk hemm bzonn minn nies voluntiera.
Mr Daniel Jones
Jun 21st 2012, 09:40
Why not do like they do in Kefalonia? Erect a small fence around the nest so people don't walk over the top of it and have volunteers (I am willing to do a stint) monitoring the site 24hrs a day until the hatchlings make their way out to sea.
Moving the eggs should not even be considered. After all, these baby turtles could grow up and return to lay eggs of their own on the same beach in future. Creating a wonderful spectacle for tourists.
However, more consideration and education needs to take place. The police and mepa officials should have been advising people not to take flash photography.
Brian Attard
Jun 21st 2012, 10:13
I agree 100% with Mr. Jones. Let's put a fence around the nest and leave a guard there 24/7. It's for two months only.
Matthew fenech
Jun 21st 2012, 09:39
...nispera li ma jcaqalqux dawk il bajd, u jekk hemm bzonn iharsuhom 24/7
...bhal ma jharsu dik il bajja ghal xi hadd li jikkampja hemmek...u jigu jigru jimmultawk jew ikeccuk
Jean-Michel Azzopardi
Jun 21st 2012, 09:36
amazing!
Silvio Agius
Jun 21st 2012, 09:34
It was illegal for the turtle to disturb the sand, excavate and build a nest. MEPA please issue the relative enforcement notice.....
R ferriggi
Jun 21st 2012, 10:17
FANTASTIC : )))))))
ONLY IN MALTA.
I WOULDNT BE SURPRISED IF THEY DO NOT LET THE EGGS BE AND PROTECT THEM.
Reinhard Azzopardi
Jun 21st 2012, 09:29
@Marco Caruana,
Mela biex ghandna nifirhu? Li qridna dak kollu li hu naturali? Jew b'xi tnejn u ghoxrin idjota jigru wara bicca gilda tonda u jixxuttjawha go xibka?
Philip Grech
Jun 21st 2012, 09:28
At the same time that I admired the turtle, I was utterly disgusted at the human(?) behaviour.
Reinhard Azzopardi
Jun 21st 2012, 09:39
I agree with you but let's be honest now. It's not something that one sees every day. Getting excited and taking photos is almost instinctive. At least nothing was disturbed and the people who uncovered the eggs did so very carefully (well, that's what we saw on the video). Furthermore, someone was wise enough to contact Mepa and Nature Trust. This goes to prove that a section of society does care about nature.
Claire Marie Azzopardi
Jun 21st 2012, 10:14
What was so wrong that disgusted you? because people were taking pictures? like it said in the article, this was last recorded in 1960! it was something amazing to see. The people that were around phoned the police and nature trust. nobody wanted to harm the turtle. What do you think we were, some kind of ignorant people. The people that were in the video touching the eggs were specialised people that were called on site. Ara naqra qabel ma turi l injoranza l andek u tajd li idisgustajt ruhek ghax kullhadd ried il gid ghal fekruna!
Manuel Abela
Jun 21st 2012, 12:00
alfejn marru jbabsu? basta specjalisti u xeba nejk...kieku ghal daqshekk f'kollox nifhmu!
Ms Maria Vella
Jun 21st 2012, 09:27
Let us hope that no idiot turns up and disrupts the course of nature
Anne Schranz
Jun 21st 2012, 09:25
How fantastic! This is a world class nature event - PLEASE keep up the protection until the hatchlings go back to sea - Let's show that Malta has progressed since 1960 when the mother was killed and eggs stolen....
Alfred M. Falzon
Jun 21st 2012, 09:25
I agree with D. Schembri. I also suggest that MEPA, or whoever is responsible, should protect the site where the eggs were laid until they hatch and the young turtles make their way to the sea. The authorities should educate the people how to behave when witnessing such an event. Noise, lights, including photographic flashes should be avoided so as not to disrupt the event. Let us remember that turtles eat jellyfish so that a natural balance is kept and we may bathe in safety.
Joanna Bonello
Jun 21st 2012, 09:40
Ha ha good one !! As if they care. That would be too much effort. I wouldn't even have published it as I am sure that some illiterate people are preparing to fetch for them and steal them.
Matthew Agius
Jun 21st 2012, 09:24
i would expect that the eggs would be left at the same place they were laid and make a secure perimeter around them.
Reinhard Azzopardi
Jun 21st 2012, 09:32
That's what's usually done in civilized, law-abiding countries. the Maltese gahan cannot be trusted though. To them, the sea is their larder and anything within it must be destroyed.
marco caruana
Jun 21st 2012, 09:21
nifirhu ghax tbejjed fekruna !!!
u leeeeeeeeeeeeeeee......
Joseph Pavia
Jun 21st 2012, 09:31
Mela biex trid tifrah! B'xi vot mitluf jew merbuh fil-Parlament jew!
Matthew fenech
Jun 21st 2012, 09:38
le nifirhu ghal xi hadd bhalek ...li jaghmel kumment bhal dan!!!
...mela ghal xiex tridna nifirhu, ghal xi politikant jew team tal futbol?!
....ninkwieta meta naqra dan it tip ta kummenti. dan juri livell mhux adegwat lejn interess u kuxjenza fejn jidhlu affarijiet relatati man natura u lharsien taghha, jiddipjacini nghid
Paul Spiteri
Jun 21st 2012, 09:38
Jekk ma taprezzax haga bhal din veru missejt il qiegh!
Reinhard Azzopardi
Jun 21st 2012, 09:46
@Matthew Fenech
High five my friend! My thoughts exactly
NATASHA CASSAR SACCO
Jun 21st 2012, 12:09
u mela biex??? b'xi erba iduru bil-bandiera ta' haddiehor fuq is-saqaf tal-karozza wara il-loghob?? jew b'xi spoiler u hoss tahsbu niezel ajruplan....
Steve Zammit
Jun 21st 2012, 13:37
b xix trid tifrah Marco???..
laqas taf tapprezza naqa l-wirt ta' pajjizna
Neville Debattista
Jun 21st 2012, 14:40
Dear Mr. Caruana life is full of surprises, mind you. One fine day you will surely discover that life is not what it seems. You will be very surprised to learn that all of that stuff which to yourself may have proved and seemed to be extemely important and relevant will turn out to be most unimportant and irrelevant to many other people whom you may have judged that they would think otherwise. Which very same people you will one day find out did not care a little bit about what you may have been saying or doing. What will hurt you most however will be the fact that these friends in order not to hurt your sentiments have been acting in a certain way or manner which will have lead you to beleive otherwise.
Reinhard Azzopardi
Jun 21st 2012, 09:19
by the time Mepa makes up it's mind, the nest would most definitely be destroyed even if not on purpose. Gnejna is a very popular beach. Leaving a nest untouched is virtually impossible.
Paul Azzopardi
Jun 21st 2012, 09:14
I sincerely hope that someone is watching over those eggs , the last thing we need is someone stupid enough to steal them.....I hope Vince Attard isn't nieve enough to let life take its course knowing how dumb some people are.
Reinhard Azzopardi
Jun 21st 2012, 09:30
How come SOME people are? Or how dumb MANY people are? See Marco Caruana's comment and come to your own conclusions.
Frans van Avendonk
Jun 21st 2012, 09:13
A beautiful start of summer!
Mr Lawrence Mifsud
Jun 21st 2012, 09:12
Just watch over them and let nature take its course...PLEASE!
Peter Gatt
Jun 21st 2012, 09:12
Lets hope those turtle eggs remain untouched and intact until they hatch and not fall prey to some people's obsession (or is it a 'hobby'?) of destroying everything that nature bestows on these islands.
Michael Camileri
Jun 21st 2012, 09:11
oh come on.. leave the eggs alone guys
Ian Bugeja
Jun 21st 2012, 09:09
I hope the eggs have been collected, will be hatched and we get to see another video of the small turtles being freed in the sea
Helen Fenech
Jun 21st 2012, 10:27
I hope so too, I travelled to Borneo to watch this wonderful event on an Eco - tourist holiday. They collect the eggs straight after hatching and bury them again in a secure area away from predators. I was allowed to hold a hatching, 'name it' and release it into the sea. Wonderful experience in an organised environment.
Ian Mamo
Jun 21st 2012, 09:08
This shouldn't have hit the new..... More people will know bout this...... ie: the turtle won't even go close to the shore given this bay will be targeted.
It's very nice that turtles actually come close to our shores, despite all the hazards there might be.
francis mallia
Jun 21st 2012, 09:08
what a beautiful amazing creature ;hope all the eggs hatch safely
D Schembri
Jun 21st 2012, 09:04
well, I hope no vandals get in the way, and what does MEPA know as to whether the eggs should be move. For once, just let nature take its course.
Reinhard Azzopardi
Jun 21st 2012, 09:22
The only way nature can take its course is if there's a guard 24/7 (and that's highly unlikely). Gnejna, like all other sandy beaches is seriously overcrowded. Destroying the nest is almost a guarantee.
Sean Swain
Jun 21st 2012, 09:03
Fantastic news!!
I certainly hope that they make it! Gorgeous creatures, can only imagine what a site it must have been.
Please choose the reason of your report below: