For the first time in years, Malta’s turtle nesting season has come to an end without a single confirmed nest being recorded.Nature Trust Malta described the 2026 season as a “rollercoaster of emotions”, with volunteers responding to multiple signs of potential nesting activity across the islands. These included several turtle crawls, occasions where turtles came ashore before returning to the sea without laying eggs, and even instances where nesting chambers were dug but ultimately left empty.The organisation also reported an unusual increase in monitoring efforts, expanding beach surveillance from seven beaches to 17 as volunteers worked to track turtle activity.Nature Trust said volunteers encountered turtles emerging onto rocky shores and heavily crowded beaches, sometimes finding their paths obstructed by people. Despite numerous nesting attempts and extensive monitoring, none resulted in a successful nest.While the official nesting season has now closed, volunteers will continue patrolling beaches until the end of August in case of any late nesting activity.The organisation said this year’s outcome serves as a reminder that turtle nesting in Malta can never be taken for granted, despite nests having been recorded annually in recent years.“Hopefully nesting season 2027 will be better,” Nature Trust Malta said.•