A total of 38 loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) hatchlings have emerged from the second nest of the season in the Balearic Islands, located last August on Es Cavallet Beach (Ibiza), within the Ses Salines Natural Park of Ibiza and Formentera. The event marks another success in the conservation of this vulnerable species.

The nest contained 85 eggs, making it the first confirmed in Ibiza this year and the second in the Balearic Islands, following the one discovered in July on Can Pere Antoni Beach (Palma).

To ensure successful hatching, all eggs were carefully transferred and artificially incubated at the Aula del Mar facilities in Palma. After nearly two months, the hatching process began on September 23, resulting in the birth of 38 hatchlings.

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38 Loggerhead Sea Turtle Hatchlings Born from the Second Nest of the Season in the Balearic Islands

The newborn turtles were moved to the Marine Research and Aquaculture Laboratory (IRFAP-LIMIA) in Port d’Andratx, where the Consortium for the Recovery of Wildlife in the Balearic Islands (COFIB) carried out identification, biometric analysis, and health checks. They will now enter a head-start program, in which they will be raised under controlled conditions for 10–12 months to increase their chances of survival before being released into the sea.

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Natural Environment highlighted the work of the COFIB technical team and the collaboration of the Sant Josep de sa Talaia Town Council, the Ses Salines Natural Park, environmental agents, the MarSave lifeguard service, and the IBIFOR beach management company. The Palma City Council also played a key role by providing the Aula del Mar facilities for artificial incubation.

Authorities remind the public that any sign of nesting activity —such as turtle tracks, a nesting female, or hatchlings on the beach— should be immediately reported to the emergency number 112 to activate the protection protocol.

So far in 2025, two nests have been confirmed in the Balearic Islands: one on Es Cavallet Beach and another on Can Pere Antoni Beach, from which 62 hatchlings emerged. Since the first documented nest in 2019 on Playa d’en Bossa (Ibiza), sea turtle nesting in the Balearic Islands has steadily increased, underscoring the importance of ongoing conservation efforts and inter-institutional collaboration.