by croatiaweek
September 21, 2025
in
For the first time, loggerhead turtle nesting has been recorded on the Croatian coast. On 10 September 2025, around fifteen hatchlings were filmed making their way to the sea on Pržina beach in Lumbarda, on the island of Korčula, Croatia’s Ministry of Environmental Protection and Green Transition confirmed.
Experts from the Croatian Natural History Museum confirmed the find, marking a milestone in the protection of this strictly protected species.
“This is an extremely important discovery as it proves that the Croatian coast can also be considered a nesting ground for loggerhead turtles,” the museum said. “It opens up a new dimension in their protection, requiring not only care for injured individuals but also greater focus on safeguarding habitats and natural beaches.”
A new chapter for turtle conservation
The loggerhead turtle is the most common sea turtle in the Adriatic, with the region regarded as one of the most important feeding areas in the Mediterranean. Major nesting sites are found in Greece, Turkey and Cyprus, while turtles in the Adriatic largely originate from Greek nesting grounds.
Pržina beach (Photo: Ministry of Environmental Protection and Green Transition)
Nesting in the Adriatic has been considered rare, but in recent years it has been documented more frequently in Albania, Montenegro and Italy. A notable find near Venice even represents the northernmost known loggerhead turtle nest in the Mediterranean.
Until now, despite years of monitoring almost all potential nesting sites along Croatian beaches, no nesting had been confirmed.
Protecting the hatchlings
The discovery on Korčula highlights the importance of public awareness. Experts stress that nests should never be dug up or opened. If hatchlings are spotted, they should be allowed safe passage to the sea, while observations, photos or videos should be reported to experts.
There is hope that some of the turtles born on Korčula this year may return to the Croatian coast to lay eggs once they reach maturity.
Loggerhead turtles are strictly protected under Croatian nature protection laws. Any deliberate disturbance, capture or killing of these animals is prohibited.
Cases of injured, sick or accidentally caught turtles should be reported by calling 112, which will notify experts and the nearest rescue centre.
“This discovery gives hope that, with active protection and stronger involvement of local communities, the Croatian coast could become a safe nesting site for loggerhead turtles in the future,” the Croatian Natural History Museum said.
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