During the night between 3 and 4 August in Sarrala – Foxi manna, a Caretta caretta was spotted laying its eggs on the beach.

The timely reporting of swimmers to the Arbatax Coast Guard allowed the procedures established by the Regional Network for the Conservation of Marine Fauna to be activated, ensuring the protection of the nesting site.

Officers from the Arbatax Naval Base and the Jerzu Forestry Station of the Forestry and Environmental Protection Corps intervened in the early hours of the morning. Working in collaboration with the Arbatax Coast Guard, they cordoned off and secured the area affected by the egg deposition. Significant operational support was also provided by a team from the FoReSTAS Agency, present nearby.

In close collaboration with researchers at the Sinis Recovery Center (CReS), the scientific hub of the regional network for the conservation of marine fauna, a protective fence was erected around the nesting site to prevent access. This fencing will protect the nest from both natural predators and unintentional disturbance by people attracted by the exceptional nature of the event.

In the coming days, specialized CReS personnel will conduct an inspection to assess the nest's condition and install the necessary equipment to monitor the hatching, including temperature sensors and cameras. Throughout the incubation period, estimated at approximately 45-60 days depending on environmental conditions, the site will be constantly monitored by the Forestry Corps, who will ensure compliance with protection measures and the nest's preservation.

When they hatch, expected between the end of summer and the beginning of autumn, the Forestry Corps staff and the researchers of the Regional Network will monitor all operations to ensure that the little turtles can reach the sea safely, minimising the risks associated with the presence of humans and potential predators.

(Unioneonline)