The Four Turtles Raised at the Seville Aquarium are Released into the Sea
The Oceanogràfic Foundation released 20 loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) yesterday afternoon on El Serradal beach in Castellón. These turtles, originating from the nest discovered in the area in July 2019, have largely followed the growth and development program, “head starting”, at the Oceanogràfic facilities, with four at the Seville Aquarium.
Four of the turtles, named Castelló, Miguel, Navel, and Posidonia, were fitted with satellite transmitters, thanks to the contribution of the Azul Marino Foundation. This will allow for monitored tracking of these animals’ trajectories and provide greater scientific knowledge about their behavior on the high seas.
Entrusted by the Department of Agriculture and Ecological Transition, over the past seven months, the technical team at the Seville aquarium has cared for the animals and has been able to study their development, behavior, skills, and physiological conditions to provide more knowledge about this species. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), this species is threatened, now also by marine debris.
The Seville Aquarium is part of the group of Spanish centers that oversees the conservation of sea turtles that appear stranded, damaged on the coast, or, as in this case, ensuring the survival of hatchlings from different nests that are threatened by various human activities.
Those responsible for leaving these young chelonians on the sand were the Mayor of Castelló, Amparo Marco, the Councilor for Climate Emergency and Ecological Transition, Mireia Mollà, the President of the Oceanogràfic Foundation, Celia Calabuig, and a representative of the Local Police who intervened in the discovery of the nest.
Members and volunteers from the Seville Aquarium, Oceanogràfic Foundation, and Azul Marino Foundation also participated.