Marevivo’s project to monitor and protect Caretta caretta sea turtles in the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park
WHY THE PROJECT WAS CREATED
The project was created with the aim of monitoring, for the first time, sea turtle nests on selected beaches of the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park.
This biodiversity conservation initiative is supported by activities with local fishers to monitor the accidental bycatch of Caretta caretta, and by educational outreach with tourists and residents to raise awareness about the importance of protecting this species.
Tartablu is carried out with the support of Deloitte, in collaboration with the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park, and under the patronage of the Municipality of La Maddalena.
SEA TURTLE NESTING DATA IN ITALY
Driven by climate change and the warming of sea waters, 2023 turned out to be a record year for Caretta caretta nesting.
A total of 444 nests were reported, three times the number recorded in the previous 2022 season. Among these, 19 were found in Sardinia—an unusual event that makes the identification of the La Maddalena Archipelago area particularly significant for the implementation of the Tartablu project.
Some info about the Caretta caretta
The Caretta caretta, or loggerhead turtle, is a fascinating species that inhabits the Mediterranean Sea, easily recognized by its sturdy shell and golden coloration. Females return to their natal beaches to lay eggs—an event of great significance for the survival of the species.
Protecting the Caretta caretta requires joint efforts to reduce the impact of human activity and safeguard marine ecosystems. Conservation and awareness initiatives are essential to ensuring a safe future for this remarkable species in the Mediterranean.
THREATS
Among the endangered species, the Caretta caretta — or loggerhead turtle — which inhabits the Mediterranean Sea, faces a range of threats that put its survival at risk, including accidental capture, marine pollution, abandoned fishing nets, the destruction of coastal habitats, disturbances on nesting beaches, and climate change.
Fishing nets, in particular, pose a serious danger, often causing injury or death to many individuals.
What the project involves
MONITORING AND PROTECTION
Thanks to the work of experienced field operators, many beaches across the archipelago will be monitored throughout the summer, with the support of a drone, to detect possible nests.
If a nest is spotted, the Park Authority — which coordinates the regional network for the conservation of marine wildlife (sea turtles and marine mammals) — will be contacted to activate the appropriate response protocol.
The monitoring activities will follow the protocols developed by the Regional Network for the Conservation of Marine Fauna of the Autonomous Region of Sardinia.
RESCUE AND CARE
Starting in August, field operators will periodically board fishing vessels to monitor, together with fishers, bycatch — the accidental capture of sea turtles during fishing activities.
This is an opportunity to work with the sector to evaluate strategic conservation and protection measures for this endangered species. Turtles in distress will be safely recovered using specific and appropriate equipment provided directly to the fishers, and taken either to the first aid center already active in Caprera, managed by the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park, or to one of the regional rescue centers in cases requiring long-term care.
AWARENESS-RAISING
Raising awareness about environmental protection is essential to help people understand the urgency and importance of preserving our environment.
Informing the public about environmental challenges fosters critical awareness and encourages informed, active citizenship to help build a more sustainable future.
The project therefore includes the involvement of beach establishments in the monitoring and protection of sea turtle nests, as well as a series of awareness-raising events open to residents and tourists, focusing on strandings and nesting phenomena — but above all, promoting concrete, on-the-ground conservation actions.
BYCATCH MONITORING ONBOARD FISHING VESSELS
From August 2024 to July 2025, field operators will board fishing vessels once a month to monitor sea turtle bycatch.
This action aims to help reduce the mortality of turtles and marine mammals caused by accidental capture (bycatch) in fishing nets.
The project is an opportunity to work with the fishing sector to evaluate strategic conservation measures for this endangered species, and seeks to raise awareness among fishers about the importance of adopting environmentally responsible practices, while recognizing and valuing their role as “guardians of the sea.”
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Se sei sulla spiaggia e sei così fortunato da vedere una tartaruga che si sta avvicinando per deporre le uova, osservala da lontano. Se ti avvicini troppo o la disturbi, potrebbe spaventarsi e tornare in mare senza deporre le uova.
Are you a sea turtle friend?
Sebbene le tartarughe siano animali marini che non conoscono confini e si muovono in un areale piuttosto grande, hanno bisogno del nostro aiuto, ci sono molte cose che possiamo fare per loro anche a casa.
6 things you can do
USEFUL NUMBERS
If you find turtle tracks on the beach, discover a nest, or spot an injured turtle in the sea or on the shore, do not touch it— call immediately:
COAST GUARD 1530
