Actuality Nature

Return to the sea of a Caouanne turtle at Le Trayas

Last January, a small turtle was accidentally caught at a depth of about ten metres, not far from Nice airport. After being welcomed and cared for at the Centre de Réhabilitation de la Faune Sauvage (CRFS), it was released at the Cap Roux cantonment area this morning !

The loggerhead turtle : a common but vulnerable species !

This species of sea turtle, also known as the loggerhead turtle, is common in the seas and oceans of the world. It is recognizable by the size of its head, the shape of its beak and the number of scales present on its shell. This species, which can measure from 90 cm to 1.20 meter, is classified as vulnerable. It plays an important role in the regulation of jellyfish, which can swallow up to several hundred jellyfish a day.

esterel tortue caouanne

Accidentally trapped during a longline fishery

Calangria fishing is characterized by a mother line with hooks attached to it. Unfortunately, the turtle bit into one of them and became trapped.
Immediately notified by the professional fisherman, the team from the Centre de Réhabilitation de la Faune Sauvage (CRFS) came to take charge of the animal and proceeded to remove the hook.

esterel tortue caouanne
Photo ©C.R.F.S.

His story could have ended here but the turtle had an abnormally low body temperature (12°) and could suffer from hypothermia. The teams therefore gradually raised the turtle’s body temperature and performed the usual tests to check his general health and detect any medical problems.

esterel tortue caouanne
Photo ©C.R.F.S.

A control x-ray revealed the presence of several pieces of plastic in the turtle’s digestive system. The members of the association therefore waited for the turtle to excrete this waste and regain perfect health before putting it back into the sea.

March 05, 2020 : release into the sea

This Thursday 05 March, the little turtle, baptized Lily, was put back into the sea. On this occasion, we were able to go on site and watch the launching of Lily. A very moving spectacle which reminds us, however, of the need to work daily for the protection of marine species and the environment in general…

esterel tortue caouanne
Arrival of Lily, escorted by C.R.F.S. members.
esterel tortue caouanne
Last moments before launching
esterel tortue caouanne
Lily on her way to the sea
esterel tortue caouanne
Direction : Freedom !

Watch the full video of the launch on our Facebook page !

We were there to film the event ! View the full video by clicking on the link below :

Turtle release : the complete video

Good to know

Last autumn, a study conducted jointly by Ifremer, Marineland, the Seaquarium du Grau du Roi and two professional fishermen’s organisations (AMOP), and supported by France Filière Pêche, aimed to define sustainable solutions to reduce the impact of longline fishing on sensitive species.

At the end of this study, Ifremer published a guide to good practice for handling and releasing accidentally captured animals, thus considerably reducing their mortality.

Four turtles are currently in care and 7 have already returned to the sea since the opening of the center.

What to do if a marine animal in distress is discovered ?

The right gestures :

  • Do not manipulate the animal
  • Avoid crowds and stressful agitation for the animal.
  • If stranded, protect the animal from sunlight and desiccation (drying out).
  • Contact the competent authorities
Estérel Côte d'Azur depending on your mood
Weather
Sea side
Today
-- °C Wind : -- km/h
Tomorrow
-- °C Wind : -- km/h
After tomorrow
-- °C Wind : -- km/h
Hinterland
Today
-- °C Wind : -- km/h
Tomorrow
-- °C Wind : -- km/h
After tomorrow
-- °C Wind : -- km/h
Water temperature
Fréjus -- °C
Saint-Raphaël -- °C
Les Issambres -- °C
+
-

Clic on areas to zoom in

Clear map
Dark map
Map zone 1
Map zone 2
Map zone 3
Map zone 4
Map zone 5
Map zone 7
Map zone 6
Map zone 8
pays de fayence - nord

Fayence area

The Pays de Fayence (Fayence district) has many great provencal villages. All of them have a particularity such as the view from Mons or the artistic streets of Tourrettes. Do no forget to stop in Seillans that has the label of "Most beautiful village in France"

Go back to map
pays de fayence - sud

Fayence area

North of the A8 motorway, you will find the Pays de Fayence. Saint-Cassien lake, a real oasis of freshness in the Var, awaits you! Take a break at the Lake House before visiting the villages of Bagnols-en-Forêt, St-Paul-en-Forêt or Tanneron.

Go back to map
roquebrune sur argens - la bouverie

Roquebrune-sur-Argens

The city of Roquebrune-sur-Argens is the most westerly of the destination. It includes three districts: La Bouverie, at the foot of Gorges du Blavet; The village, overlooked by its magnificent rock, and Les Issambres, with its nautical activities by the sea.

Go back to map
les adrets de l'esterel

Les Adrets de l'Estérel

Les Adrets de l'Estérel is a small town located at the extreme southeastern Var. Bordering the Maritimes Alpes, it is composed of large green forests. The town overlooks the bay of Cannes and has an exceptional view on the Lérins Islands and the Corniche de l'Estérel.

Go back to map
village de puget sur argens

Puget sur Argens

Puget sur Argens is a small village located in the middle of many wineries. Its commercial area, near the village, includes many shopping center. North of the village, the Bois du Defens give rise to several walks.

Go back to map
roquebrune-sur-argens - les issambres

Les Issambres

Welcome to Les Issambres, the district of Roquebrune-sur-Argens located on the coast. True paradise with its 8 km of beaches and creeks, this family seaside resort, already frequented at the time by the Romans, is located between the Gulf of Saint-Tropez and Fréjus-Saint Raphaël.

Go back to map
ville de frejus - saint-aygulf

Fréjus

Frejus, located halfway between Cannes and Saint-Tropez, is at the heart of the Côte d'Azur. Based on a sandstone buttress of the Esterel massif, the town dominates the valleys of Argens and Reyran. Frejus has the appearance of a small Provencal town whose new districts extend to the sea.

Go back to map
saint-raphael - massif de l'esterel

Saint-Raphaël

65km from Nice Côte d'Azur International Airport, Saint-Raphaël is located between Cannes and Saint-Tropez. This seaside resort on the Mediterranean coast is at the bottom of the great Esterel mountains. Saint Raphael, whose city center is by the sea, is divided into different neighborhoods that have all their characteristics and their personalities.

Go back to map
Fayence areaFayence areaRoquebrune-sur-ArgensLes Adrets de l'EstérelPuget sur ArgensLes IssambresFréjusSaint-Raphaël
Webcams
Subscribe to our newsletter