🐢Getting to know Caretta caretta: conservation of a Mediterranean marine species in the Veneto Po Delta Park
30/07/2026
🌊 Along the Adriatic coastline, it is possible to find the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta), a species that has inhabited the Mediterranean for millions of years and today represents one of the most recognisable marine reptiles in these waters. The Northern Adriatic, including the waters around the Veneto Po Delta, is part of the wider area used by these turtles during their movements, particularly for feeding and seasonal activities.
🐚 The loggerhead turtle is easily recognisable by its large reddish-brown shell, strong jaws adapted to feed on a variety of prey, and exceptional proficiency in traversing the ocean. These marine reptiles can reach considerable sizes and undertake long migrations between different areas of the Mediterranean and beyond. Despite their adaptation to marine life, Caretta caretta are vulnerable to several pressures associated with human activities, including incidental capture in fishing gear, marine litter and changes affecting coastal environments.
🌿 Within the context of the ASPEH project, the collaboration became closer between regions in the Adriatic area to improve the protection of species and habitats of Community interest. The Caretta caretta is one of the project’s target species, with dedicated activities taking place in the Veneto Regional Park of the Po Delta.
🔎 In the Po Delta, one of the Adriatic’s most distinctive coastal environments, the project’s activities help to increase knowledge of the species and raise awareness of the importance of its conservation. Through monitoring, data collection and the involvement of local stakeholders, ASPEH fosters a shared approach to the protection of marine and coastal biodiversity.
The presence of Caretta caretta in the Po Delta shows how even highly urbanised and productive coastal areas can play a pivotal role in nurturing marine biodiversity. By improving knowledge of the species and encouraging collaboration between various stakeholders, ASPEH strengthens the connection between research, conservation, and local communities. Gaining an understanding of the movements and requirements of loggerhead turtles is a vital step in protecting the Adriatic marine environment and the numerous species that depend on it.
