A loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) washed ashore last weekend on Mosteiros beach, São Miguel Island, and was rescued by a team of Nature Watchers from São Miguel Natural Park.
 
The juvenile tortoise, about 40 centimetres long, showed slight head and neck injuries.
 
After evaluation, the turtle was returned to the natural environment, having been released on São Roque beach.
 
Caretta caretta is one of five species of sea turtles that occur in the Azores and is currently considered to be "threatened," according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
 
Marine litter, including fishing nets and plastic waste, poses a serious threat to the conservation of these marine reptiles.