Green sea turtle rescued by fishermen near Cesenatico

Fishermen from the vessel Martin Pescatore accidentally captured a young green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) in the waters off Cesenatico. The turtle, weighing approximately two kilograms and estimated to be only two or three years old, has been named Spirulina.

The animal was handed over to the Cestha Marine Turtle Recovery Center, marking only the second time a live specimen of this species has been recovered by the center. The presence of a green sea turtle in the Upper Adriatic is considered an exceptional event, as the species is far less common in these waters than the Caretta caretta.

Experts believe the recovery of this juvenile specimen provides significant scientific value, offering new data on the distribution and movement of the species in the Adriatic and potential links to climate change. Spirulina will undergo rehabilitation at the center before being released back into the sea.