Nuca the Turtle Returns to the Sea After Successful Rehabilitation

On May 8th,‍ marine ⁢rescue efforts in Torrevieja, Alicante, achieved ⁢a significant milestone as Nuca, a green sea turtle previously rescued in ⁢February, was released back into the Mediterranean Sea. This ‍successful ⁤rehabilitation was‍ made possible ⁤by ⁤the dedicated efforts of⁢ the Oceanogràfic team in Valencia, local authorities, and marine biology⁣ specialists.

Rescue and Recovery ⁣Journey

Nuca⁢ was found ​trapped in the Torrevieja harbor at the begining of ⁢the year, ‌surviving on scraps ‍from ‌local fishing activities.⁢ Her condition⁤ was alarming; she had suffered from an old injury that resulted in ⁤the amputation of one of her flippers ​and had a fishing hook lodged in her esophagus.

The rescue operation, carried out by specialized divers from the Oceanogràfic Foundation, along⁤ with local municipal biologists‍ and the‌ Real Club Náutico Torrevieja (RCNT), brought ⁢Nuca to safety where she underwent critical medical treatment.

Veterinary Care and Technical support

Once ⁣at the Oceanogràfic ​facility, veterinarians successfully ⁤removed the fishing hook using endoscopy and provided Nuca with thorough‌ support to ensure her recovery. Over the months,‍ her health improved significantly,‌ leading to her recent release.

Before her return to the​ ocean, scientists placed a satellite transmitter on​ Nuca. This device allows them to monitor her movements in real-time, contributing valuable data to ​ongoing efforts to protect ‌endangered turtle‌ species.

A Collaborative Effort

The release event was attended by Torrevieja’s Mayor,Eduardo Dolón,alongside the Environment and Beaches Councillor,Antonio Vidal,municipal biologist juan antonio Pujol,and RCNT president Carlos Carmona,highlighting ​the cooperative spirit of this⁤ rescue ‌operation. Mayor‌ Dolón praised⁣ the Oceanogràfic team’s work and expressed​ optimism that ⁣Nuca would return to Torrevieja’s shores to lay her eggs.

Support ​for Conservation

Nuca’s rehabilitation and release are ⁢part of a broader conservation project supported by the Fundación Biodiversidad from the Ministry for Ecological Transition and⁣ demographic Challenge, funded by the European Union’s NextGeneration ​EU initiative.

This effort not only aims at ‍immediate species recovery but also highlights the importance of community involvement and international funding in environmental conservation⁤ initiatives. ‍

Conclusion

The return of Nuca to her natural habitat represents a ‍hopeful success in marine wildlife rehabilitation. As researchers track her movements,they aspire to improve strategies⁤ for the ongoing protection of sea turtles.

For further details on this ⁤inspiring story,​ visit eldiario.es.

Sources:
El Diario