Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1537190
5 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 4 JULY 2025 NEWS TWO loggerhead turtle nests have been discovered at Ramla Bay in Gozo, the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) said. They are among four nests confirmed this season—one in Ġnejna Bay, one in Għadira, and two at Ramla Bay. The nesting activity is being closely moni- tored by ERA, Nature Trust Malta, and Ambjent Malta. Once a nest is confirmed, ERA issues an emergency conservation order and the area is cordoned off to prevent dis- turbance. The aim is to protect the eggs during the critical incubation period and ensure safe hatching. Loggerhead turtles are a protected and endangered species, and disturbing their nests is illegal. Offenders can face fines ranging from €500 to €2,400 per egg. Meanwhile, rehabilitation work con- tinues at the Wildlife Rehab Centre in Xrobb l-Għaġin. So far this year, five turtles have been released back into the sea, and 15 others are still recovering. This week, two rehabilitated turtles— Polly Ċensa and Duka—were released at Golden Bay after receiving treatment for injuries caused by marine debris and fishing gear. Polly Ċensa, a 70kg turtle, had swal- lowed a fishing hook and line in 2022, which required a long recovery period. Duka was found in December 2024 en- tangled in fishing line, with injuries to its front flippers. It made a quicker re- covery and was also released back into the wild. Environment Minister Miriam Dalli attended the release and thanked the teams involved in the turtles' rehabilita- tion. She said the collaboration between ERA, Nature Trust Malta, and Ambjent Malta continues to play a key role in protecting marine wildlife. "These efforts show how important it is to have strong cooperation between environmental agencies and the pub- lic," Dalli said. "Every nest and every re- covered turtle counts in protecting this endangered species." Get involved Members of the public who wish to lend helping hand may also volunteer with Nature Trust to watch over the current nests with 24/7 surveillance. Contact Nature Trust via email on: tur- tle.naturetrust@gmail.com for nests in Malta and turtle.ramla@gmail.com for nests in Gozo. The Authorities are also asking the public to report any turtle sightings or nesting activity immediately to ERA on 2292 3500 or Nature Trust Malta on 9999 9505. Two loggerhead turtle nests discovered at Ramla Bay in Gozo The nets in Ramla Bay are amoung the four nests confirmed this season—one in Gnejna Bay, one in Ghadira, and two at Ramla Bay. The nesting activity is being closely monitored by ERA, Nature Trust Malta, and Ambjent Malta. A key government promise to launch a new Gozo ferry stop in Buġibba this summer has failed to materialise, raising fresh doubts about the transport strategy of Minister Chris Bonett. The proposal, originally announced with much fanfare as part of a broader plan to ease travel between Malta and Gozo, was meant to offer a more convenient connec- tion for northern residents and tourists. However, no progress has been made, and no timeline has been given for when—if ev- er—the service will begin. The delay was highlighted by Opposi- tion MPs during a recent press conference, where Shadow Ministers Mark Anthony Sammut and Joe Giglio criticised the lack of delivery on Bonett's traffic and mobility measures. The ferry stop in Buġibba was one of several initiatives that were expected to be in place by summer 2025, but the pro- ject appears to have been quietly shelved or indefinitely postponed. "This is yet another case of the govern- ment over-promising and under-deliver- ing," said Sammut. "When Minister Bonett unveiled his transport plan, he made big claims about improving connectivity to Gozo, but here we are in July and nothing has changed." Giglio said that the failed ferry promise is just one symptom of a broader issue: a gov- ernment that announces projects without proper planning or execution. "Instead of implementing a serious, coordinated trans- port strategy, we're seeing more delays, more congestion, and more frustration for the public—particularly Gozitans who rely on regular, efficient links to Malta." The PN reiterated its call for a long-term, integrated mobility plan that includes im- provements to public transport and better connections between the islands—not one- off announcements that fail to materialise. "As summer rolls on, Gozitans and tour- ists alike are left wondering when, or if, the promised Buġibba ferry stop will ever leave the dock," the party said. Government to issue tender On Wednesday, the Government an- nounced its intention to issue tenders for a new ferry service connecting Gozo to Sliema with a stop in Buġibba. The service between Buġibba and Tas- Sliema will be offered free of charge to encourage the use of the service. The aim is to enhance the efficiency of sea transport, extending beyond the main channels and ports to include other coastal areas. No Bugibba-Gozo ferry this summer despite government promises, PN says The delay was highlighted by Opposition MPs during a recent press conference, where Shadow Ministers Mark Anthony Sammut and Joe Giglio criticised the lack of delivery on Bonett's traffic and mobility measures.