Center for endangered sea turtles saves lives
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Linosa, a tiny volcanic island off the Sicilian coast, every summer lures solitary tourists attracted by its silent beaches, black rocks, crystal-clear waters and atmosphere of peace and relaxation.
It's a paradise also for groups of biology students, environmentalists, veterinarians and researchers who come to look after the Mediterranean's most precious and endangered sea creature, the loggerhead marine turtle better known locally as the Caretta Caretta.
On southern tip of the island, far away from the port, rises a rescue center that stands as Italy's most efficient hospital for healing injured sea turtles that were caught by fishermen's nets or hooks or harmed by boat engines and jet skis.
A 24-hour SOS radio service is manned by local fishermen who have accidentally trapped and wounded turtles in their gear.
At the center, the sea reptiles are operated on and hospitalized in small swimming pools and once recovered are freed again into the sea.
It's fascinating to watch the surgery to extract hooks from turtles' throats or flippers, but a strong stomach is required.
"I'll never forget the first time I entered the operating room. The vet told us to leave if we couldn't stand the sight of blood. I thought I was brave enough, but when he started cutting the turtle's throat I almost fainted," recalled Luca De Giannolo, a 23-year-old biology student who this year spent three weeks at the medical center.
Yet it's a unique experience, especially for young people who get to blend summer and fun at the beach with environmental education.
"The sun and the sea are beautiful, but it's not just sunbathing," noted Luca. "You learn many things about sea animal life and become aware of how and why species are endangered."
Thanks to its isolation and limited tourism - there are no direct flights, and the boat trip takes 18 hours - Linosa has become one of the last hatching sites in the Mediterranean for the loggerhead marine turtle.
Other than saving and healing the creatures, the volunteers and experts at the hospital help the female turtles lay eggs by restricting access to the beach areas.
The island is divided into special protection zones with X-rays and detectors that raise the alert when the turtles come to shore at night to lay eggs. They return to the sea after laying eggs.
In order to stop curious tourists trampling the eggs, the volunteers place protective nets on them and wait for the newborn to come out.
In groups of three they take turns sleeping on the beach, looking forward to the exciting moment.
Since she was 15, Laura Ronchi, now 20, has spent a month each year at Linosa's rescue center.
"You never get over the joy and excitement of seeing the female turtle come ashore in the middle of the night to lay eggs.
"And then after two months, if you're lucky, you also have the chance to witness hatchlings rise from the nest and run back to the sea," added Ronchi.
It's crucial to protect the island from human impact, stressed Laura, because each female comes ashore to nest two to four times in the summer, usually every three years.
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