Gozo News

Environmental and Resources Management Agency enforcement officers successfully saved the lives of two protected species that were in distress at sea last week.

ERA enforcement officers are conducting marine patrols as part of the Authority’s conservation efforts.

The report said that while checking the marine protected area south of the island, a Yellow Petrel (called Garnija in Maltese) was found floating on the sea, apparently in danger.

The Mediterranean Shearwater is a small seabird endemic to the Mediterranean Sea, with Malta hosting around 10% of the global population of the species.

Later, near the Filfla Special Reserve, a young loggerhead turtle was found struggling while diving, which the ERA said “may have been caused by swallowing plastic or a fish hook, which caused a buildup of air in its stomach”.

Loggerhead sea turtles spend most of their lives at sea, coming close to shore only during the breeding season, when they are particularly vulnerable to discarded trash and boat strikes.

Both the distressed seabird and turtle were rescued by ERA enforcement officers and sent for rehabilitation “after which they can be released back into their natural habitat.”

ERA said that during its maritime patrols, it voluntarily collects plastic and other waste that is irresponsibly dumped into the sea to reduce significant harm to marine life. “Therefore, the public, especially boat users, are urged to act more sustainably,” the authority said.

Image: ERA