Loggerhead turtle could lay second batch of eggs on Torrevieja beach

FOLLOWING the spawning of a loggerhead turtle on La Mata beach in Torrevieja, as reported in Euro Weekly News, experts say there is the small possibility of a second clutch.

This behaviour has been repeatedly observed in the traditional spawning grounds of loggerhead turtles in Atlantic colonies where a second spawning can occur around 15 days after the first laying of eggs.

As a result, Torrevieja Town Hall is urging all visitors to La Mata beach and surrounding areas to be on the lookout for loggerhead turtles this weekend, that should not be disturbed at any time, especially when out of the water. If one is spotting digging a nest in the sand call 112 and the local police as the Town Hall says any form of disruption to the turtle at it digs a nest can result in it abandoning the spawning attempt. 

Noise, crowds of people, lights and the flashing of videos and cameras should be avoided and you should never block off the turtle’s path back to the sea.

The last batch of eggs were recovered from La Mata and taken to the La Albufera beach in Valencia where biologists and marine experts can keep a closer eye on the eggs ahead of them hatching in around two months’ time. The aim will be to then release them back in to the wild.

The arrival of the loggerhead turtle in La Mata caused much excitement amongst residents and visitors with municipal biologist Juan Antonio Pujo saying it was a “historic event.”