World Sea Turtle Day: Loggerhead Sea Turtle in the Vis Archipelago

World Sea Turtle Day, observed on June 16, is an opportunity to remember one of the most special animals recorded in the waters of Vis – the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta).

The loggerhead sea turtle is the most common sea turtle in the Adriatic. It is recognizable by its strong head and jaws, which it uses to feed on various marine organisms, including crabs, shellfish, sea urchins, jellyfish, and other invertebrates. It spends most of its life in the sea, traveling great distances between feeding and nesting areas.

Although loggerhead sea turtles do not nest on our coasts, the Adriatic Sea plays an important role for them as a feeding, migration, and growth area. Adult and juvenile individuals use the open and clear waters of the Adriatic as a crucial feeding ground, and their presence in the Vis archipelago demonstrates how vital this marine area is for species that pass through it or utilize it during part of their life cycle.

The presence of these great marine travelers in the waters of Vis was also highlighted by a case in Oključna, where an injured loggerhead sea turtle was found. Blue World Vis, Vis Archipelago Geopark, HGSS – Split Station, Vis Island Branch, and Gradina Vis d.o.o. were involved in its rescue. Such cases demonstrate the importance of a rapid response, as well as the cooperation of local services, associations, and the community in protecting marine animals.

Sea turtles breathe with lungs, which means they must regularly surface to breathe air. This makes them particularly vulnerable to collisions with vessels, especially during the summer months when sea traffic is most intense. Besides boating, threats also include entanglement in fishing gear, marine debris, pollution, and disturbance. Floating plastic waste, especially bags, can be mistaken for food, which can have serious consequences for them.

The Vis archipelago is part of a valuable marine area where open sea, rich underwater ecosystems, marine reefs, caves, and important habitats for numerous species converge. Therefore, caring for the sea is not only important for preserving the landscape and heritage but also for the living world that inhabits it or passes through it.

World Sea Turtle Day is a reminder that through responsible behavior, we can help conserve these endangered marine animals. We must not leave waste in the sea or on the shore; when boating, it is necessary to be careful and slow down if a marine animal is spotted, and fishing gear and waste should be disposed of responsibly. If we see a sea turtle, we should observe it from a distance and not disturb it.

Any injured, exhausted, or deceased sea turtle should be reported to the relevant authorities.

The loggerhead sea turtle is not just a rare and special sight on the sea's surface. It is a reminder that the sea is a living space we share with numerous species, and we can only preserve it through a careful and responsible approach to nature.