The progressive warming of waters related to climate change and global warming is transforming the migration and nesting patterns of various marine species. In particular, this has led many species to seek alternative habitats that offer more favorable conditions for their development. survival and reproduction. In this context, Rising ocean temperatures have attracted the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) towards the coasts of Catalonia, where nesting had not previously been recorded with such frequency.
Turtles nest on the shores
The arrival of loggerhead turtles on the Catalan coast has raised concerns among both scientists and beachgoers. The Catalan government has called on visitors and residents of the area to respect these animals and not interfere with their nesting process. In 1972, ten nesting attempts by loggerhead turtles were documented in Catalonia., especially in recent years, which indicates a notable change in their migratory patterns. In addition, this phenomenon is also related to the situation of the turtles that are in danger of extinction and echoes the problems of other marine species, such as Australian green turtles.
The impacts caused by human activities have been significant, as approximately half of the turtles that attempt to nest on these shores fail to survive. This situation emphasizes the importance of human intervention, given that technicians have observed a increase in nesting cases of loggerhead turtles in Catalonia in the summer. This is partly because the turtles previously preferred the warmer beaches of Greece and Türkiye for their breeding. reproduction, as well as the need to mitigate effects such as those affecting the Hawaiian coralsThese changes may also be related to the status of the , which face similar challenges in their habitats.
Causes and consequences of climate change
Climate change is drastically altering the breeding environment of loggerhead turtles, resulting in a significant increase in its presence in regions such as Catalonia. This phenomenon is due to several factors:
- temperature rise: Water temperatures have risen, leading to more loggerhead turtles seeking to nest in areas where temperatures are more favorable for their reproduction.
- Habitat displacement: Traditional turtles that once nested in the eastern Mediterranean have begun to move westward, seeking cooler beaches that allow them to nest successfully.
- Feminization of the species: As temperatures rise, the proportion of female turtles in the population increases, as the sex of hatchlings depends on the temperature during incubation, which can threaten the reproductive balance of the species.
La feminization of the loggerhead turtle It is a direct effect of climate change, which means that between 80% and 90% of the offspring born today are female. This poses a serious problem for the species, as it reduces the possibility of reproductive success. This phenomenon is linked to the alteration in natural selection caused by climate change, just as it affects other marine species, such as .
Conservation and awareness-raising actions
To mitigate the negative impacts on the loggerhead sea turtle, the Generalitat (Catalan government) has implemented a series of educational and conservation initiatives. These efforts are crucial, as loggerhead sea turtle nesting occurs primarily between June and September. This has led to the creation of awareness campaigns aimed at bathers, which focus on how to act if they encounter a turtle on the beach, thus promoting its conservation in the context of the .
The Generalitat technicians urge citizens to Report any sightings of loggerhead turtles, which facilitates their monitoring and protection. This year, numerous nesting activities have been documented in Catalonia, placing the region in a favorable position for monitoring and managing the species. It is vital to maintain the beach care, as they are crucial to their survival and also to other threatened species, such as Australian green turtles.
Community participation and collaboration
Community participation is essential to the success of conservation initiatives. Coastal communities have been instructed on how to respond appropriately if they encounter a nesting turtle. During this season, citizens should:
- Notify 112 if you see loggerhead turtles.
- Avoid getting too close and do not use bright lights or flashes to avoid disturbing the animals.
- Cooperate with technicians and biologists who study and monitor turtles.
Collaboration between the administration and volunteers has proven effective in protecting nests and ensuring that hatchlings have a better chance of survival once they hatch. In this context, various projects have demonstrated the potential to consolidate a stable population of loggerhead turtles on the Catalan coast, which is essential for their conservation.
Ongoing research and projects
El BETA Technology Center from the University of Vic has coordinated several studies on the loggerhead turtle, which seek to understand the dynamics of its nesting and the factors that influence its reproductive success. A fundamental aspect of these studies is the monitoring nest temperature, since temperature not only determines incubation success, but also the sexing of the offspring. This monitoring is in line with studies on How climate change affects marine animalsThese studies also have implications for the conservation of the loggerhead turtle in Catalonia.
Research in this area has revealed that rising sand temperatures have made nesting conditions much more favorable on the Catalan coast compared to the past. This has allowed loggerhead turtles to begin establishing themselves in areas where their nesting efforts were previously very limited, which is excellent news for the .
The implementation of technologies such as the use of temperature sensors and the use of genetic methods to study hatchlings emerging from different nests have allowed researchers to obtain vital information on the population's health and migratory behavior. These aspects are fundamental for conservation, especially given the increasing number of migrants in the region, which could affect the loggerhead turtle in Catalonia.
Impact of human activity
Despite conservation efforts, loggerhead sea turtles continue to face numerous threats associated with human activity. Among the most significant challenges are:
- Water contamination: The presence of plastics and other pollutants in the ocean affects the health of turtles and their habitat.
- Accidental fishmonger: Many specimens get caught in fishing nets, causing accidental deaths.
- Turistic development: Beaches used for nesting are facing increasing pressure from tourism, which could disrupt their ecosystem.
The combination of these threats suggests that, although efforts are being made to protect loggerhead turtles in Catalonia, much remains to be done to ensure their long-term survival. Therefore, it is crucial to continue raising awareness and conducting educational campaigns to promote the conservation of this endangered species, as is done with other affected species, as mentioned in several studies.
The protection of loggerhead turtles in Catalonia reflects the interconnectedness of the environment, biodiversity conservation, and human action. Proper management and cross-sector cooperation are essential to ensuring a sustainable future for this endangered species.
