This summer, 55 marine animal rescues have been carried out along the Catalan coast, more than double the number from the same period last year. The majority of the interventions have been for marine turtles, with 14 live specimens and 16 that had stranded lifeless. The service, operational 24 hours a day and all year round, is provided by the CRAM Foundation.
In many cases, citizen and fishing sector collaboration has been crucial in locating and rescuing animals trapped in nets or affected by marine pollution. Seven turtles, for example, were transferred to the CRAM Foundation Recovery Center after becoming entangled in drifting nets or illegal origin. Several specimens required surgical interventions and are still undergoing treatment, with plans for reintroduction into the marine environment.
What to do if you find an injured marine animal
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Call 112 to activate specialized marine animal response teams.
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Do not handle the animal or try to reintroduce it to the sea.
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Maintain a safe distance and do not lose sight of it until the professionals arrive.
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If the animal is stranded on the beach, avoid any contact or movement.
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If you find a turtle entangled in a net, do not cut the net and immediately notify 112.