Turtle release marks YRE Litterless Campaign launch

Janis, a twelve-year-old loggerhead turtle, was released at Ġnejna Bay on Thursday.

The turtle was rescued by the AFM on 24 February 2019, after it was found entangled in marine debris at Marsamxett harbour during a storm. It was later taken to the Turtle Rehabilitation Unit at Forti San Luċjan in Marsaxlokk. It was cared for by Nature Trust (Malta) - the Wildlife rehabilitation team which nursed it back to health under the medical observation of veterinary surgeon Dr Anthony Gruppetta.

The turtle, which weighs around 20 kilos, has been fitted with a satellite tracker sponsored by Delicata Wines to allow its journey to the wild to be followed.

Janis was released in the presence of 220 students who are currently participating in the YRE – Litter Less campaign, run by FEE and represented locally by Nature Trust Malta.

The event also marked the launch of another International Litterless Campaign (Phase 4) run by the YRE programme and managed by Nature Trust-FEE Malta. This year’s phase will include both primary and secondary schools – and around 25 schools will be offered a grant to use in this campaign. Secondary schools will receive a €400 grant, while primary schools will receive a €250 grant for participation in the pilot project.

The Litterless Campaign aims to engage and educate young people on the issue of litter and encourage them to make positive choices. The main themes for this year will be ‘No to plastic bags’ (with or without handles) – given in most retail shops around Malta and Gozo – and plastic-free beaches, in relation to marine litter. Schools are free to choose one or both of the themes for their campaigns, while also being free to explore other relevant litter related issues.

Schools will be required to conduct a campaign and report on it through local media. YRE students will be able to network with students from the 10 participating countries and produce joint projects. A teacher training session with the relevant details was also held two weeks ago with interested parties.

Thursday’s event included also educational workshops for students, varying from information on the effects of litter on marine life, the impact of plastic on the environment and the invaluable work done by the rescue team. Being part of YRE, the students were also involved in a photography session, sending their message to everyone on how and why we can reduce litter. Workshops were manned by Wildlife Rescue Team, MTA, WasteServ, AFM, ERA and Zibel amongst others.

The students also participated in a beach clean-up. Apart from inspecting the area for any litter, they also explored “hidden” litter that is found in the sand.