Sea turtles released into the Mediterranean following conservation programs

loggerhead turtles marine conservation Head Starting program sea turtle release Mediterranean Sea

Marine conservation efforts in Spain have resulted in the successful release of loggerhead turtles back into the Mediterranean Sea.

At Carabassí Beach, four loggerhead turtles born in 2025 were released following more than a year of specialized care at the Fundación Oceanogràfic de Valencia facilities. These turtles originated from a nest discovered in Arenales del Sol in July 2025. The specimens participated in the ‘Head Starting’ program, which aims to increase survival rates by allowing young turtles to grow under controlled conditions during their most vulnerable life stages.

In Menorca, 20 sea turtles born last year were also released at Cala en Calderer. These hatchlings had spent nearly a year in the Head Starting program after being part of a nest located in the same area in October 2025.