Sea Turtles in Formentera

Nesting Season

Formentera, May 14, 2024

From late May to early August, the beaches of Formentera witness a constant attempt by sea turtles to nest. This phenomenon has been observed for the past three years, but so far, no successful nesting has been recorded.

On June 20, 2021, in the area of Ca Marí, a sea turtle (Caretta caretta) was seen at night preparing a nest to lay its eggs in a very advanced stage of the process. However, the presence of a tourist in the area, who turned on the light and the camera of their mobile phone to record the moment, caused the turtle to abandon the nesting process.

Since then, every summer, nesting attempts by several specimens of Caretta caretta have been observed, but there is no data confirming the success of any of them on the beaches of Formentera.

Despite these obstacles, the local community and authorities continue to work to protect sea turtles and achieve successful nesting on some of the beaches of Formentera.

Institutions are conducting educational programs and awareness campaigns to promote greater understanding and respect for sea turtles. It is hoped that these initiatives will contribute to ensuring a more promising future for nesting attempts by these creatures on the beaches of Formentera.

What to do if you see a turtle on the beach

• Maintain distance:
  It’s important to keep a safe distance from the turtle to avoid causing stress or interfering with the nesting process. Stay at least 10 meters away.
• Observe quietly:
  Turtles are sensitive to noise and can easily be scared. Watch quietly and avoid any loud noises that may disturb them.
• Call 112:
  In Formentera, as in many other coastal areas, there are organizations and authorities responsible for protecting marine life. Call the emergency number 112, and they will activate the animal and area protection protocol.
• Inform others:
  If you see other people near the nesting area before environmental agents arrive, explain to them the importance of keeping their distance and respecting the turtle nesting process.

What you should avoid if you see a turtle on the beach

• Don’t get too close:
  It’s crucial not to approach the turtle while it’s nesting to less than 10 meters. Human presence can scare it and cause it to abandon the process, which can be harmful to its health and the survival of the eggs.
• Don’t touch or interfere:
  It’s important not to touch or interfere with the turtle or its eggs in any way. Handling the eggs can damage them or interrupt their development.
• Avoid using bright lights:
  Bright lights can disorient turtles and cause them to leave the beach before completing nesting. If it’s necessary to use lights, make sure they are of low intensity and not directed at the animal.
• Don’t chase or scare the turtle:
  If you see a sea turtle nesting on any of the beaches of Formentera, stay calm and avoid any action that could scare or threaten it. Similarly, if there are dogs on the beach, keep them away from the turtle.

First Successful Nesting in Formentera?

By following all these common-sense guidelines, we can help sea turtles successfully complete the first confirmed nesting on the beaches of Formentera, which would be a cause for great joy for the community of residents and regular visitors to the island.

Let’s hope that the circumstances surrounding such an important action for the survival of this species are favorable to the individuals that decide to attempt nesting on one of the beaches of Formentera during the summer season of 2024.