Italian Turtle Day releases nine sea turtles along Italy’s coast

On 14 June, the volunteer group Plastic Free Onlus coordinated the Italian Turtle Day, a simultaneous release of nine rescued Caretta caretta turtles at six locations – Genoa, Viareggio, Pescara, Castro, Stintino and Lampedusa – as part of World Sea Turtle Day. The operation linked marine‑rescue centres, port authorities, protected‑area managers and scientific institutions to showcase a nationwide effort to protect marine biodiversity.

In parallel, WWF’s regional TartAmar project in Calabria opened its summer recruitment drive, inviting volunteers to monitor turtle nests, collect data for the national ISPRA database and support European species‑protection directives. The programme, overseen by biologist Jasmine De Marco, aims to improve beach coverage and provide hands‑on training for participants.

Both initiatives highlight coordinated conservation actions for the Mediterranean loggerhead turtle in Italy.