Overview

• A leatherback turtle washed ashore dead on July 12 at El Saler beach, marking the first local stranding since 2022.
• Francisco Contreras activated the 112 emergency protocol, mobilizing Red de Varamientos teams from Xaloc, Universitat de València and the Conselleria de Medio Ambiente.
• The UV Marine Zoology Unit has taken tissue and debris samples as part of a forensic analysis expected to last about a year.
• NGO Xaloc identified ghost nets as the likely cause of death and highlighted the broader threat of abandoned fishing gear to Mediterranean wildlife.
• Conservationists are urging authorities and the public to strengthen marine protection and raise awareness about plastic pollution.