Italian Turtle Day releases nine sea turtles across Italy

On 14 June 2026, nine Caretta caretta turtles were released back into the Mediterranean as part of the national “Italian Turtle Day” organized by the volunteer group Plastic Free on World Sea Turtle Day. The releases took place in five coastal locations – Genoa, Viareggio, Pescara, Castro (Lecce province) and Lampedusa – with a final sunset release in Lampedusa.

The most publicised release was that of Lorena, a 38‑cm juvenile rescued on 25 August 2025 in the port of Aregai (Santo Stefano al Mare). After a neck injury likely caused by entanglement in a net or plastic, Lorena spent months in rehabilitation at the Genoa Aquarium before being set free from a motor‑boat of the Genoa Port Authority. Other turtles released included Dede (Viareggio), Lacey (Pescara), and four hatchlings – Leo, Ale, Filippo and Mia – in Castro.

The coordinated effort involved local port authorities, the Italian Coast Guard, CITES‑trained Carabinieri, marine rescue centres and dozens of volunteers. Public outreach events were held at each site, with biologists and veterinarians explaining the main threats to Mediterranean turtles – plastic ingestion, ghost‑nets, fishing hooks, boat strikes and habitat loss – and urging people to report injured animals to the coast guard (1530 or 112). The campaign highlighted the role of turtles as indicators of marine‑ecosystem health and the need for broader plastic‑reduction measures.