Tartalove – Saving Mediterranean Sea Turtles

Tartalove is a marine conservation initiative by the Italian environmental organization Legambiente, dedicated to protecting loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) in the Mediterranean Sea. Every year, sea turtles face serious threats from accidental capture in fishing gear, plastic pollution, boat collisions and disturbance of their nesting beaches. Tartalove responds through practical rescue work, rehabilitation, nest protection and environmental education.

Rescuing Injured Sea Turtles

A central part of Tartalove's work is supporting the rescue and rehabilitation of injured or distressed sea turtles. At Legambiente's Sea Turtle Rescue Centre in Manfredonia, Italy, turtles receive veterinary care and rehabilitation before being returned to the sea whenever possible. The centre works with fishermen and other local partners to help animals found injured, entangled or in difficulty.

Protecting Nests and Hatchlings

Tartalove also mobilizes volunteers known as Tartawatchers to identify, monitor and protect sea turtle nests along Italian coastlines. These teams help safeguard nesting areas from human disturbance and support hatchlings as they make their way to the ocean. Legambiente also coordinates the LIFE TURTLENEST project, an international conservation initiative involving Italy, France and Spain. The project strengthens the protection of loggerhead turtle nesting habitats through monitoring, research and collaboration with coastal communities.

Working with Coastal Communities

Effective sea turtle conservation depends on cooperation. Tartalove engages fishermen, beach operators, local authorities, schools and volunteers to reduce threats and improve awareness of marine wildlife. Its educational activities explain how plastic waste, fishing practices and human activities can affect sea turtles and their habitats.

Giving Sea Turtles a Second Chance

From the treatment of an injured turtle to the protection of a vulnerable nest, Tartalove demonstrates how dedicated local conservation efforts can make a difference. By combining veterinary care, volunteer action and public education, the initiative helps give Mediterranean sea turtles a better chance of survival.

Photo Credits by: ©Tartalove ©Legambiente
https://shop.legambiente.it/campagne/tartalove/