Mepa, Transport Malta and the Fisheries Department said today that over the coming three weeks, boat owners may be notified without further notice  that operating a craft within and in the adjacent areas of Gnejna will be prohibited at particular hours when and if the turtles hatch.

Mepa said the precaution was needed since the young turtles swim out to sea when they hatch and risk being killed.

Part of the line designating the swimmers zone (line with floats) is being temporarily removed during this period for the same reason. Boat owners should maintain the same clearance distance as if the demarcation line was still in place.