Residents and visitors in Mallorca are being encouraged to learn what to do if they encounter a sea turtle on the beach or in the water, following the launch of the national “Aquà Salvamos Tortugas” (“Here We Save Turtles”) campaign in the Balearic Islands.
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The campaign was officially introduced by the Palma Aquarium Foundation at Playa de Palma, where attendees witnessed the release of Nura, a loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) that had spent several months recovering at the Foundation’s Marine Turtle Recovery Centre after receiving veterinary treatment and rehabilitation.
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The release of Nura highlights the important role that coordinated conservation efforts play in protecting marine wildlife, while also demonstrating how members of the public can make a real difference when they encounter a turtle in need.
What Should You Do If You Find a Sea Turtle?
As part of the campaign, the Palma Aquarium Foundation is reminding everyone to follow three simple steps if they come across a sea turtle on Mallorca’s coastline:
- Call 112 immediately if you find an injured sea turtle or a female attempting to lay eggs.
- Keep a safe distance and avoid disturbing the animal.
- Do not use flash photography, bright lights or allow crowds to gather around the turtle, as this can cause unnecessary stress and interrupt nesting behaviour.
Knowing how to respond correctly can significantly improve the chances of a successful rescue and recovery.
Raising Awareness Across the Balearic Islands
Throughout the summer, information boards promoting the campaign will be installed on beaches, promenades and other busy coastal locations across the Balearic Islands. The initiative aims to educate both residents and visitors during the sea turtle nesting season, when sightings become more frequent around the islands.
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Several municipalities have already joined the campaign, including Palma, Muro, Capdepera, Sant Llorenç des Cardassar, Sant Joan de Labritja, Maó and Formentera, with more expected to participate in the coming months.
A Shared Responsibility
The Palma Aquarium Foundation says that while successfully rehabilitating and releasing turtles like Nura is an important achievement, the long-term success of the campaign depends on public awareness.
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Many of the sea turtles admitted to the Foundation’s Recovery Centre each year are rescued thanks to members of the public who quickly report injured or distressed animals after spotting them while walking along the beach or out at sea.
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By helping more people recognise the correct steps to take, the campaign hopes to improve the protection of loggerhead sea turtles and support the conservation of one of the Mediterranean’s most iconic marine species.
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If you do encounter a sea turtle on Mallorca’s coastline this summer, remember the advice: keep your distance, avoid disturbing the animal, and call 112 immediately so trained professionals can respond safely.
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