Murcia releases two rehabilitated loggerhead sea turtles

Two loggerhead sea turtles were released into the Mediterranean Sea at Cala de Calnegre in Lorca, Murcia, following successful rehabilitation at the El Valle Wildlife Recovery Center.

The first turtle, weighing 28.8 kilograms and measuring 64 centimeters, was rescued in Mazarrón after sustaining a serious fin injury and becoming entangled in fishing nets. The second, weighing 1.8 kilograms, was found at sea by a tourist vessel after becoming entangled in plastic bags.

Regional President Fernando López Miras highlighted the importance of social awareness and cooperation in protecting local fauna. Since 2021, the region has returned 31 loggerhead turtles to their habitat, a figure that exceeds the total number of releases recorded during the entire 2010-2020 decade. This effort is part of the ‘Territorio Tortuga’ campaign, which trains divers, fishermen, and lifeguards to report turtle sightings to emergency services.