” Pay close attention to sea turtles, both at sea and on the beaches, especially during this nesting period “. The appeal was launched by the Marine Protected Area of ​​Punta Campanella, a reserve on the Sorrento coast that protects about 40 km of coastline and the sea in front.

In recent days, the Park staff has received several reports on the presence of specimens of Caretta caretta in the area of ​​the Amalfi coast and intervened following a report of a turtle in difficulty off Li Galli, an archipelago in the province of Salerno. 

A Caretta caretta was actually identified on the site, however, appeared in excellent health. On the contrary, two other reports concerned two dead turtles, one of which was recovered and delivered to the Zooprophylactic Institute of Southern Italy for necropsy. The cause of death could be a longline hook, the leading cause of accidental turtle fishing in the Mediterranean .

Sea turtles at risk

According to reports from the WWF , the survival of the seven sea turtle species that inhabit our seas and oceans risks being seriously compromised by human action . Cementing, degradation of the coasts and of the coastlines chosen for nesting, the impact of fishing systems are the main threats to which these animals have to succumb.

For example, it is estimated that, due to trawl nets, longline hooks and fixed nets – from which a large number of turtles are accidentally caught – over 40,000 specimens lose their lives a year . 

In addition, one in two sea turtles in the Mediterranean have ingested plastic. A 10-year study on the Caretta caretta – the environmental organization warns – has shown that 35% of the specimens analyzed have swallowed waste of this type, with dramatic consequences for their organism.

Caretta caretta victims of longlines

According to data released by the Punta Campanella Marine Protected Area itself , it is estimated that 30% of the deaths of Caretta caretta are attributable to the hooks and lines of the longlines . 

“ So it’s very important that anglers, or anyone who sees a turtle in distress, doesn’t just cut the line and let it go. Because the damage caused by the residual part can be fatal in the following days and weeks ” declared President Lucio Cacace. “ Several fishermen have been actively collaborating for years in the rescue of specimens of this wonderful species. Our goal now is to extend this collaboration, involving as many fishermen as possible “. 

Over the next few months, targeted awareness campaigns are planned and a new first aid center is planned to be opened in Massa Lubrense (NA), which will operate in synergy with the Sea Turtle Research Center in Portici.

Monitoring of the beaches to save the nests

In recent days – the nesting period for the Caretta carettas – the monitoring activities of the beaches in Campania by a team of organizations and associations have begun. The common goal is to identify the places chosen by these animals to lay their eggs and then proceed to enclose them, secure them and control them until the moment of hatching .

” Beware of the tracks on the beaches ” continues the appeal of the AMP Punta Campanella. ” If you notice signs similar to those left by a small tractor on the sand, we find ourselves in front of the traces left by a turtle that has nested and it is necessary to notify the Port Authority or the reference bodies and associations “. 

Navigation, caution is needed

The timely rescue intervention on adult sea turtles in difficulty , or accidentally caught , remains fundamental . 

” Also be careful to respect the rules of navigation and speed limits” concludes the note from the Marine Protected Area. ” In recent years some turtles have been seriously injured by the impact with boats .” The propellers of the engines risk, in particular, to cause injuries – very serious and often fatal – to the specimens with which they come into contact.