On June 30th 2024, after the first observation of a Caretta-turtle multiple days ago along the beaches of Maiori, we were highly expecting for a possible return of the turtle for it to build a nest. This led to the immediate mobilization of Domenico Sgambati from the organization Area Marina Protetta P.C, who involved volunteers from the European Solidarity Corps and our association ACARBIO with the international project “Make It Blue”. Also, the association ENPA Costa D’Amalfi has watched the beach during the night in case of a new observation.
And that was the case! Indeed, around 00:30 the turtle was once again spotted on Magic Bagni whilst it was looking for a safe spot to lay its eggs. Under the close surveillance of ENPA’s sevice-men and the Make It Blue volunteers, the turtle could finally lay eggs after a ninety-minute effort, before it – once again – returned to the sea. Afterwards, Domenico Sgambati, alongside with Benedetto Amato from ENPA and Vincenzo Sannino from ACARBIO, watched the nest all night long in order to make sure that no damage occurred on this one.
At dawn, Marianna Farina from Anton Dohrn Zoo in Napoli was at the scene. After having identified the presence of the eggs, she coordinated the operation for their safety, which included the involvement of the captain of the port in Amalfi – Commander Spinelli, as well as Commander Ossignuolo from the urban police in Maiori.
The observation and the nest of the Caretta turtle represents an important event for the local maritime life and could repeat itself in the next weeks. This is why we encourage all inhabitants and visitors of Maiori to keep a distance of at least ten meters in case of an observation of the turtles, and to not approach it from the front, but rather from behind. Be quiet, do not disturb it with lights and please contact the port captain in order to activate the necessary procedures.
As a matter of fact, the associations took the initiative to name the turtle. The process took place on the 6th of July, when both ENPA and the Make it Blue volunteers decided that, in order to spread awareness about the turtle’s nest by conversing with tourists, they should ask both locals and tourists to help them to come up with a name for the turtle that laid its eggs. The method used was a random draw of the people’s ideas that were written on pieces of paper. At the end, the turtle’s name is GINA! And fun fact, this name fits it really well as she was first-sighted at the lido Reginna Major!
Finally, let’s end this with the interview of one of our volunteers: Rocio. She comes from Spain and she is 24 years old.
– Why did you take part in the project?
My main motivation for this project was focused especially on the cultural aspect. Indeed, working for the museum was something I really wanted to do since I would like to work in that field later in life. Besides, since it is a local museum and located in Maiori, I felt that the patrimony and cultural heritage was even more important. Finally, I also enjoyed the environment-friendly part of the project.
– How do you think you can contribute effectively into the project?
Actually, thanks to my studies I know a lot about Italian history and it could help in the cultural aspect and then I can also help the others to communicate in Italian with the people.