Gnejna Bay has been declared an emergency conservation area with Mepa issuing an emergency conservation order today to ensure that the maximum protection is rendered to the site where a marine turtle laid a number of eggs on Wednesday.

The order prohibits a number of activities from being carried out in the designated area including:

* vehicular parking and use of caravans;

* excessive noise and loud music;

* music between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m.;

* camping, campfires, barbeques, any other open fires, or any large organised events; and

* offroading.

Moreover, no animals shall be allowed and beach cleaning has to be manual and not in the areas cordoned off, unless there is prior consultation with Mepa.

Beach users cannot trespass enclosures and any large, deep holes left by beach users shall be filled in before leaving the area.

The order, which is valid for the next six months unless revoked by the authority, was issued after consultation with the environment and resources ministries, the Mgarr council and Nature Trust.

A surveillance system has been in place since yesterday. It is operated jointly by MEPA, MRRA and Nature Trust.

The public is invited to report any evidence of marine turtles or turtle activity to Mepaon 2290 7102 during office hours; or to contact MEPA on 9921 0404 or 9938 1811, e-mail nature.requests@mepa.org.mt .

Read story and watch video at:

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20120621/local/turtle.425225

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