News from the Villasimius Marine Park
La Chimera, your eco-friendly refuge in Sardinia.
A Silent Miracle: Starfish Reproduction and La Chimera’s Commitment
August, the hottest month of the year, brings with it a fascinating and little-known event: starfish reproduction. Right now, as the August full moon approaches, thousands of starfish are preparing to release their eggs and sperm into the water, thus beginning a new life cycle.
An underwater dance and a commitment to sustainability
In the heart of the night, while starfish eggs dance among the waves to give life to new generations, Residence La Chimera is committed to protecting this fragile ecosystem. We were the first residence in Sardinia to have obtained the Ecolabel certification. Although the prohibitive costs do not allow us to maintain the certification, la Chimera continues to maintain all the standards and is at the forefront of the fight for environmental protection.
Why shouldn’t you touch starfish?
- Fragile eggs: during the reproductive period, females are covered in eggs ready to be released. Touching them can break the eggs and compromise reproduction.
- Pressure fluctuations: Starfish are very sensitive to changes in pressure. If they are picked up from the bottom and brought to the surface, air bubbles form in their tissues that can cause fatal embolisms.
- Stress and suffocation: Any type of manipulation causes stress to the starfish, weakening it and making it more vulnerable to disease. Starfish breathe through a gelatinous substance that helps them extract oxygen from the water. Touching the starfish removes this substance and the starfish cannot breathe.
Spectacular seabeds for those who love snorkeling
In addition to starfish, you can admire an infinite number of marine life forms in the splendid seabeds of the marine protected area of Capo Carbonara in Villasimius, all types of fish, sponges, corals, crustaceans, etc. Among these we point out the rays and the spectacular owl fish, very strange fish that walk on the seabed like crabs, but when they feel threatened they open wonderful gray and purple wings, spotted with white.
Caretta caretta turtles: a treasure to protect
The beaches of Villasimius have become a safe haven for the Caretta caretta sea turtles, which choose these coasts to lay their eggs. Thanks to the constant work of the Marine Protected Area of Capo Carbonara in Villasimius, it is possible to monitor and protect the nests, thus ensuring the survival of these wonderful creatures. This year, two nests were laid on the beach of Capo Ferrato, the baby turtles should be born between September 7 and 30. Hatching usually occurs around 7 pm and continues for a few days. We will promptly inform our customers so that they can witness the show.
Take advantage of our discounts for the month of September in Residence la Chimera and don’t miss out on this unique emotion!
