Marine turtles reported along Italian coasts

More than ten marine turtles have washed up along the Marche coast between Grottammare and Civitanova Marche within a two-day period. According to the Fondazione Cetacea, many of the animals were found dead, but experts warn that some may still be alive despite appearing lifeless.

Marco Carlini of Fondazione Cetacea noted that sudden drops in water temperature can cause severe hypothermia in turtles, leaving them debilitated and unable to swim against currents. Two young turtles found in Civitanova Marche were recovered alive and have been transferred to the Fondazione Cetacea Marine Turtle Recovery Center in Riccione for medical observation.

In a separate event in Calabria, a rare sighting of a leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) was reported near the Capo Rizzuto Marine Protected Area. The specimen, measuring approximately two meters, was observed by biologists and local fishermen. The leatherback is the largest existing sea turtle species and is distinguished from the more common Caretta caretta by its flexible, leather-like skin rather than a rigid shell.