Hawksbill Sea Turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) are a critically endangered species known for their beautiful shells and vital role in marine ecosystems. These magnificent creatures can sometimes be seen in the waters around Gozo, offering a glimpse into their fascinating lives and the underwater world they inhabit.
Identifying a Hawksbill Sea Turtle is relatively easy due to its distinct features. They have a narrow, pointed beak resembling a bird’s bill, which is where their name comes from. Their shells are characterized by overlapping scales that form a serrated look on the edges, with a beautiful mix of amber, yellow, and brown colors. Adult Hawksbills typically measure between 60 to 90 centimeters in shell length and weigh around 45 to 70 kilograms.
Hawksbill Sea Turtles belong to the family Cheloniidae, class Reptilia, and phylum Chordata. They are known for their beautiful and highly valued shells, often referred to as tortoiseshell. These turtles have flippers adapted for swimming and a carapace (shell) that provides protection. They are omnivorous but primarily feed on sponges, which makes them crucial for maintaining the health of coral reefs by preventing sponge overgrowth.
Hawksbill Sea Turtles are typically found in tropical coral reefs, rocky areas, and lagoons. They prefer shallow waters where sponges and other invertebrates are abundant. These turtles are known for their solitary nature, coming together only during mating season. Hawksbills are migratory and can travel long distances between feeding grounds and nesting sites. Female turtles return to the beaches where they were born to lay their eggs, a remarkable example of natal homing.
One interesting fact about Hawksbill Sea Turtles is their significant role in maintaining the health of coral reefs. By feeding on sponges, they prevent these organisms from overgrowing and suffocating the corals. This feeding behavior helps maintain the biodiversity and resilience of coral reef ecosystems, making Hawksbills a keystone species in their habitats.
Diving with Hawksbill Sea Turtles in Gozo is not as common as in some places in the world, but these endangered species have been making a comeback, with a few sightings reported this year already. These turtles can occasionally be spotted around the island, particularly near coral reefs and rocky outcrops. Popular dive sites like the Blue Hole and Reqqa Point previously offered opportunities to encounter Hawksbills, but more recently, they seem to favor Xwejni Bay. Let’s hope more and more are seen from now on, contributing to the conservation and appreciation of these remarkable sea turtles.
