Sea turtles are not only fascinating creatures, but also true biological indicators of the health of the oceans. Among the seven marine species found worldwide, the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) is the most common in the Mediterranean and plays a crucial ecological role: by regulating jellyfish populations, it helps maintain the balance of marine ecosystems. However, their place in the food chain makes them extremely vulnerable. Several studies have shown that over 50% of loggerhead turtles in the Mediterranean have ingested plastic, with effects ranging from intestinal obstruction to the release of toxic substances into their tissues.
In the Adriatic Sea—a semi-enclosed basin, heavily populated and trafficked—the dangers multiply. River discharges bring pesticides, heavy metals, and microplastics, while human pressures linked to fishing and shipping increase the risk of collisions and accidental capture. According to ISPRA statistics, over 130,000 sea turtles are accidentally caught each year in the Mediterranean, most of them loggerheads. Many do not survive.
It was in this context that Venice Lagoon Plastic Free rescued, recovering them at open sea, two baby turtles of this species: “Serenity” and “Abbrighè,” the latter found just a few hours after the first was released. Both of their bodies were colonized by barnacles, sessile crustaceans that attach themselves to hard surfaces such as rocks, hulls, and shells. Normally, a healthy turtle prevents these organisms from settling thanks to its constant movements and ability to keep its skin and carapace in good condition. But when barnacles proliferate excessively, as observed in the rescued turtles, they can greatly reduce hydrodynamics, increase energy expenditure, and worsen overall health.
Transferred urgently by VLPF to the Netcet First Aid Center in Alberoni, Abbrighè received specialized veterinary care from a highly professional dedicated team. Targeted feeding, shell cleaning, and constant monitoring gradually restored her strength and vitality. After a few weeks, the day finally came for each of them to return to the sea: a moment that deeply moved both volunteers and researchers.
Abbrighè’s case highlights how closely the biology of the loggerhead turtle is tied to the health of marine environments. Their well-being is an ecological thermometer. Every weakened turtle tells the story of a sea strained by excessive human pressures, pollution, and climate change.
Venice Lagoon Plastic Free is proud to have contributed to the rescue of these young juveniles. However, it is up to lawmakers and the responsible authorities to establish the necessary conditions to significantly reduce these creatures’ exposure to human impacts—through active protection policies, stricter regulations against single-use plastic dispersion in nature, more sustainable fishing practices, and the implementation of already-approved but not fully enforced laws, such as the Salvamare law.
Serenity and Abbrighè have returned to their natural environment. Still, their story remains as a warning: the survival of these ancient ocean travellers depends on our institutions’ ability to turn scientific knowledge into active policies aimed at the real conservation and protection of their habitats in the decades to come.