Playa de Palma was the setting for the launch of the Palma Aquarium Foundation’s nationwide campaign “Aquí Salvamos Tortugas” (We Save Sea Turtles Here). Led by the Oceanogràfic Foundation, the initiative has come to the Balearic Islands with the aim of raising public awareness of the vital role citizens play in the protection of sea turtles.
The highlight of the event was a very special moment: the release of Nura, a Caretta caretta loggerhead turtle that was treated at the Palma Aquarium Foundation Sea Turtle Recovery Centre and returned to the sea after successfully completing her rehabilitation process.
Each summer, the coasts of the Balearic Islands provide a habitat for large numbers of sea turtles, particularly during the nesting season. In many cases, residents or tourists are the first to spot an injured turtle or a female that has come ashore to lay her eggs.
The aim of the “We Save Sea Turtles Here” campaign is to ensure that everyone knows how to act in these situations, as the correct response can be crucial to the animal's survival.
The message is simple:
The star of the day was Nura; a sea turtle admitted to the Recovery Centre. She had been found floating at sea with a severely damaged flipper after becoming entangled in a raffia sack. The pressure caused by the debris had resulted in an irreversible injury, and the veterinary team was forced to amputate the limb in order to save her life.
After several weeks of treatment, veterinary care and rehabilitation, Nura made remarkable progress. She regained her appetite, started swimming normally again and steadily recovered her strength until she was given veterinary clearance. Her release marks the successful conclusion of an intensive recovery process and a new opportunity to continue contributing to the conservation of her species.
The event was attended by Jorge Moreno, Head of the Natural Areas Department of the Directorate General for the Natural Environment and Forest Management of the Balearic Islands’ Government, as well as representatives from several municipalities taking part in the campaign.
Also present were the children attending Palma Aquarium’s Summer Camp. Prior to the release, they attended an educational talk delivered by a Palma Aquarium Foundation specialist, where they learned about sea turtle biology, the threats these animals face, and the protocol that should be followed when a turtle or nest is discovered.
This presentation marks the Balearics’ official adhesion to the “We Save Sea Turtles Here” campaign, which has already been adopted by the municipalities of Palma, Muro, Capdepera, Sant Llorenç des Cardassar, Sant Joan de Labritja, Maó and Formentera.
Over the coming months, the initiative will be visible on beaches and seafront promenades through a range of informational materials designed to help residents and visitors understand what to do when they encounter a sea turtle.
Sea turtle conservation is not just a job for teams of specialists. More often than not, the most important step is taken by the first person to spot an animal in distress.
For this reason, the Palma Aquarium Foundation encourages everyone to remember this simple message: if you come across an injured sea turtle or a turtle laying eggs, keep your distance and call 112.
With small actions, we can all help protect one of the Mediterranean's most iconic species.
