Seville Aquarium today launched a new edition of the environmental awareness campaign “Here We Save Sea Turtles” in Fuengirola. The initiative aims to inform the public about how to act when encountering sea turtles along the Spanish coastline and to contribute to the protection of these animals during a particularly sensitive period for their conservation.
The event, held at Los Boliches Beach in Fuengirola, was attended by José Sánchez, Councillor for Beaches at Fuengirola City Council, together with representatives from Seville Aquarium. During the presentation, participants highlighted the importance of cooperation between public administrations, organisations committed to marine conservation and local communities to protect sea turtles and their habitats.
Promoted by Seville Aquarium, the Oceanogràfic Foundation and the Azul Marino Foundation, the campaign seeks to raise awareness among residents and tourists about the importance of responding appropriately when a sea turtle is sighted or a potential nesting site is detected. In recent years, the increase in loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) nesting events along the Spanish coast has made public involvement a key factor in the success of conservation programmes.
For the fourth consecutive year, Seville Aquarium has joined this initiative, reinforcing its commitment to sea turtle conservation and the protection of marine ecosystems. This year, the campaign reaches a total of 102 coastal municipalities across Andalusia, the Valencian Community, the Region of Murcia and the Balearic Islands, making it one of the largest sea turtle awareness initiatives carried out along the Spanish coastline.
In Andalusia, participating municipalities include El Ejido, Garrucha, Mojácar and Níjar (Almería); Fuengirola, Mijas, Nerja and Rincón de la Victoria (Málaga); Barbate, Chiclana, Chipiona, El Puerto de Santa María, Rota, San Fernando and Tarifa (Cádiz); Isla Cristina, Cartaya, Mazagón and Punta Umbría (Huelva); and Almuñécar (Granada). The campaign is also supported by the Territorial Delegations for Sustainability and the Environment of the Regional Government of Andalusia, further extending its reach throughout the Andalusian coastline.
The initiative includes the installation of information panels on beaches, promenades, marinas and other high-traffic public areas. These materials remind visitors of the importance of keeping a safe distance from sea turtles, avoiding any disturbance and immediately calling the emergency number 112 to activate the appropriate response protocols.
Today’s launch event in Fuengirola also featured a public outreach activity, during which aquarium educators explained how to respond if a sea turtle or a possible nest is found on the beach. Dozens of people attended to learn first-hand about the main threats facing sea turtles and discover how simple actions can make a significant difference to their conservation.
“Every year, more sea turtles arrive on our shores during the nesting season. Public cooperation is essential to ensure their protection and increase the chances of successful nesting. Through this campaign, we want everyone to be able to recognise a potential risk situation and know how to respond appropriately ” said Juan Manuel Gavira from Seville Aquarium’s Education Department.
Seville Aquarium’s participation in this campaign forms part of its broader commitment to the conservation of sea turtles and marine ecosystems. The institution actively collaborates in a range of rescue, research, environmental education and species protection projects, as well as conservation programmes developed alongside public administrations and scientific organisations.