54 Sea Turtles Hatch from an Unregistered Nest on Almassora Beach

The lifeguard service on Benafelí beach, in Almassora (Castellón), reported the presence of a hatching sea turtle nest this Tuesday. The activation of the protocol allowed for the immediate intervention of technicians from the University of Valencia and the Oceanogràfic Foundation, who confirmed the laying and rescued several specimens.

In total, 128 eggs have been located. 54 have hatched correctly, with 43 hatchlings that had already made their way to the sea on their own and 11 that were found in the nest, still active. The latter have been transferred to the Oceanogràfic in Valencia, where, after passing the usual veterinary check-up, they are now swimming in a tank of the ARCA del Mar, specially equipped for neonates, under the close supervision of the Conservation team of the Oceanogràfic Foundation.

The remaining 74 eggs that were part of the nest did not develop.

This new finding confirms the frequency of Caretta caretta layings on the Valencian coast, a phenomenon that experts link to rising sea temperatures and the adaptation of the species to new breeding areas.

The Oceanogràfic Foundation emphasizes the importance of citizen collaboration in these cases, and reminds the public that, in the event of any sighting of a turtle nest hatching, they should contact 112 to ensure the activation of the protocol and protect the specimens.