Lorraine Williamson
In a remarkable event, a young loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) was spotted in the Port of Vigo, Galicia. This followed an extraordinary journey spanning more than 6,000 kilometres from the Caribbean.
This sighting underscores the impressive migratory capabilities of this species and highlights the rich marine biodiversity of the region.
Unexpected visitor at Nautilus Underwater Observatory
Visitors to the Nautilus Underwater Observatory, located at the Portocultura dock in Vigo, were treated to a rare spectacle as the two-year-old loggerhead turtle swam gracefully in the harbour’s inner waters throughout the morning. Environmental officials from Praza da Estrela, along with technicians from the Coordinadora para o Estudo dos Mamíferos Mariños (CEMMA), monitored the turtle closely until it eventually ventured out of sight.
A transoceanic journey
Experts suggest that this loggerhead likely embarked on its journey from nesting sites in the Caribbean, navigating the Gulf Stream—a powerful Atlantic Ocean current that flows from the Gulf of Mexico towards the European coast. Moreover, this natural conveyor belt aids young turtles in their transoceanic migrations, facilitating their arrival in regions like Galicia. Such extensive travel is characteristic of the species. Loggerheads born in Japan have been known to migrate nearly 8,000 miles to feeding grounds off the coast of Mexico.
Sea turtles in Galician waters
While sea turtle sightings in Galicia are not unprecedented—35 instances were recorded along the Galician coast last year—this marks the first time a loggerhead has been observed so close to the heart of Vigo. The presence of such marine life within the port’s inner waters is a testament to the ongoing efforts to maintain and improve the ecological health of the area.
Indicators of a healthy marine ecosystem
The appearance of the loggerhead turtle follows other notable marine sightings in Vigo’s ports. In May of the previous year, divers documented several seahorses (Hippocampus) near the Bouzas repair dock. Furthermore, these occurrences suggest a thriving underwater environment, bolstered by initiatives aimed at cleaning the seabed and removing marine debris.
Nesting trends along Spanish coasts
Recently, loggerhead turtle nests have been discovered in various parts of Spain, including Valencia, the Balearic Islands, Catalonia, and Andalucia. Moreover, scientists attribute this trend to the warming of the Mediterranean Sea. This has prompted female loggerheads to seek new nesting sites along the Spanish coastline. The adaptability of these turtles to changing environmental conditions underscores the importance of monitoring and conserving marine habitats.
The sighting of this intrepid loggerhead turtle in Vigo captivates the public imagination. Moreover, it also serves as a reminder of the intricate connections within marine ecosystems and the far-reaching impacts of environmental changes on migratory species.