- The 'SOS Caretta' project shows the great collaborative work of the regional government of Andalusia, the guilds and Fundación Cepsa
The director general for Environment, Biodiversity and Protected Spaces, Araceli Cabello, participated in the release together with the territorial delegate of Sustainable Development for Huelva, José Enrique Borrallo, and representatives of the fishermen's guilds. Also present were the coordinator of the Hombre y Territorio Association, Patricio Peñalver, and the head of Fundación Cepsa in Huelva, Narciso Rojas, entities that promote the project 'SOS Caretta. Fishermen for Biodiversity.’
The veterinary team was led by the director of the Environment and Water Agency of Andalusia (Amaya), Javier de Torre. Amaya manages the rehabilitation centers for endangered species for the regional government of Andalusia.
"These releases are the culmination of a team effort with which we are succeeding in the recovery of these sea turtles. There is complete collaboration with the fishing sector in the Andalusian government's commitment to the recovery and care of vulnerable species," said Araceli Cabello.
"We are also grateful for the leading work of the 'SOS Caretta' project and Fundación Cepsa," she added.
The main objective of the 'SOS Caretta' project, a name inspired by the most common species of sea turtle in our region, the loggerhead turtle, is to promote the rescue of sea turtles by the fishing sector in the Gulf of Cadiz and the Strait of Gibraltar. The initiative aims to promote a close relationship in Andalusia between the different players involved in the conservation and rescue of sea turtles.
‘SOS Caretta,’ on the other hand, has generated training and educational actions aimed at the fishing sector, their families, and schoolchildren in the localities of influence of the collaborating fishing entities in coordination with Seashore Environment and Fauna and Foredunes.
Protocol that saves dozens of specimens
The fishermen act according to the handling guidelines provided by the 'SOS Caretta' project and deposit the specimens in the containers provided by this initiative at each collaborating port, thanks to the agreement with the Public Ports Agency of Andalusia. In this area, citizens are reminded that it is essential to call the 112 emergency service so that the rescue protocol can be activated and the Andalusian government, which is responsible for the care of these rescued specimens, can act.
The three sea turtles released at La Canaleta beach in Punta Umbria, which are part of a roster of 24 rescues by 'SOS Caretta', are now continuing their ocean journey.
Rupertín, Minero, and Calipto are the names given by the project to the first three turtles that have started a new life from La Canaleta beach in Punta Umbría.
