First confirmed nesting of the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) in Croatia
📅 September 18, 2025
The loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) is a cosmopolitan species inhabiting the entire Mediterranean Sea and the Adriatic. In the Mediterranean, nesting mainly occurs in the eastern basin, with the most important rookeries located in Greece, Turkey, and Cyprus. In Greece, the key nesting areas are in the Ionian Sea, particularly the Kyparissia Bay and Zakynthos populations, which represent the largest colonies in the Mediterranean.
Genetic studies and tracking of migratory routes have shown that most loggerhead turtles found in the northern Adriatic originate from these Greek nesting populations.
Nesting in the Adriatic – a rare but increasingly observed phenomenon
While nesting in the Adriatic has historically been extremely rare (mostly recorded in southern Italy), recent years have shown a clear increase in confirmed cases:
- Albania (Durrës, Vlorë)
- Montenegro (Sveti Stefan, Ulcinj)
- Italy (Manfredonia, Rimini, Venice area)
The discovery of a nest near Venice even represents the northernmost recorded nesting of the species.
Research in Croatia
Research on marine turtles in Croatia began in the 1990s at the Croatian Natural History Museum through the Marine Turtle Research Program led by Prof. Bojan Lazar, PhD.
Although sightings of juveniles and subadult turtles were occasionally reported and documented, and nearly all potential nesting beaches along the Adriatic were surveyed, there had been no confirmed evidence of nesting in Croatia—until now.
Given the increasing frequency of nesting activity in the wider Adriatic region, scientists had long considered it only a matter of time before nesting would be recorded in Croatia.
The discovery on Korčula
📅 September 10, 2025
📍 Pržina Beach, Lumbarda (island of Korčula)
During a walk along Pržina Beach, Mr. Branko Ćeran observed approximately 15 small turtles moving toward the sea. Recognizing the significance of the sighting, he recorded the event and shared the footage with researchers at the Croatian Natural History Museum.
This observation is now considered the first documented hatching event of the loggerhead sea turtle in Croatia.
Due to the late nesting season and lower sand temperatures, the hatchlings emerged around 3 PM—an unusual timing, as they typically emerge at night or early morning to avoid predators and overheating. Despite rain and waves, the hatchlings reached the sea within about 10 minutes.
Conservation and future monitoring
The Croatian Natural History Museum and the Blue World Institute continue their collaboration in marine turtle research and conservation in the Adriatic.
Key ongoing activities include:
- monitoring population abundance in the Adriatic
- satellite tracking of individuals
- reducing bycatch impacts in fisheries
- rehabilitation of injured turtles at the Lošinj Marine Turtle Rescue Centre
These efforts are supported by the EU-funded LIFE Euroturtles project, one of the largest European conservation initiatives addressing the full life cycle of loggerhead and green sea turtles across the Mediterranean.
Partners include institutions from Italy, Cyprus, Greece, Slovenia, Malta, as well as Croatian organizations.
Public involvement
As nesting activity in the Adriatic becomes increasingly likely, citizens are encouraged to report any signs of nesting on sandy beaches during the summer season.
If you notice tracks resembling small crawling marks on sand, please:
- take a photo
- record the location
- report it to experts for verification
⚠️ Important: Nests must never be dug up or disturbed.
If hatchlings are observed, they should be allowed to reach the sea without interference, while documenting the event and notifying experts.
Every nest may represent a future generation that could return to the same beach 15–30 years later to continue the cycle of life.