“Imagine a tiny turtle hatchling. It is barely bigger than your palm. This little creature represents hope for an endangered species”. Welcome to the Centro de Recuperación y Conservación Tortugas Marinas. It is also known as the Morro Jable Turtle Nursery. This center plays a vital role in protecting sea turtles.
The Centro de Recuperación y Conservación Tortugas Marinas is located in the port of Morro Jable. You can visit for free. It is open on Thursdays from 10 am to 1 pm.
The center has two main goals. It focuses on sea turtle recovery. It also does conservation by reintroducing an endangered species to the island. The most common species found here are Loggerhead and Leatherback turtles.
The Fuerteventura government started a project in 2006. The aim was to relocate eggs from Cape Verde to Fuerteventura beaches. In 2009 more than 500 turtles were born. This showed that Cofete Beach is ideal for turtle reproduction.
The Centro de Recuperación y Conservación Tortugas Marinas cares for vulnerable turtles. After they hatch some turtles go to the center. Staff measure weigh and mark them. They also feed them to monitor their development. This increases the hatchlings’ survival chances. It increases the chance of them returning to the island.
The center helps injured sea turtles. They face many dangers. They can get caught in fishing lines and hooks. They may swallow plastic bags thinking they are jellyfish. Boat strikes are also a threat. The center rescues these turtles nurses them back to health and releases them.
The tanks at the Centro de Recuperación y Conservación Tortugas Marinas are designed for rehabilitation. They help turtles regain their strength. Turtles need strength to swim and breathe.
The center also focuses on conservation. Fuerteventura works with Cape Verde to reintroduce Loggerhead turtles. The Morro Jable turtle nursery cares for new hatchlings. They nurture them until they are strong enough to survive in the wild. Baby sea turtles face predators like birds and crabs. Being bigger increases their survival chances.
When the turtles are ready they are released on a beach 22 km from Morro Jable. Female sea turtles have a homing beacon. They return to their first beach to lay eggs. The hope is that the species will return to the same beach to lay eggs naturally.
The Centro de Recuperación y Conservación Tortugas Marinas also takes precautions. Visits are limited to 15 minutes when busy. This is to avoid stressing the turtles. Touching surfaces is not permitted. This protects both visitors and turtles.
The Centro de Recuperación y Conservación Tortugas Marinas is more than just a nursery. It is a beacon of hope for these amazing creatures. By supporting the center you contribute to the survival of sea turtles. You help ensure they continue to grace our oceans for generations to come.