Last weekend, the turtle camp of the Cetmar 17 school in Progreso carried out what would be its second release of baby sea turtles on the beaches so far this season, a natural spectacle that draws the attention of dozens of people and frames a vital importance for the preservation of marine species.
Biologist Carlos León, in charge of the turtle camp, said the nesting season is at its peak, so it is increasingly possible to find more turtles and nests.
He indicated they sighted approximately 185 turtle nests, making a total of 15 thousand eggs along the coast of Progreso. The number of nests could increase since July, August, and part of September still needs to end.
Now, it is getting complicated because, besides nesting, we already have hatchings, so we have to monitor both aspects. That is why we ask people to help us, not to leave their garbage on the beach and, when they see a nest or little turtles come out, help us and report it to the Ecological Police or 911.”
He pointed out that they take care of damaged turtles. In the case of the white turtle, these are due to fibropapilloma and caring for turtles that are bitten by dogs, among other injuries.
They are healing seven turtles in the Cetmar camp, five hawksbill and two white ones.
On the other hand, regarding nesting, according to the figures mentioned above, it is very likely that this year, the number of nestings and births in this area of the coast during last year, when 220 nests were sighted, will be exceeded.
“Unfortunately, spawning areas are disappearing due to the erosion that is consuming the beach. That is why many turtles end up reaching the street while looking for an area to nest, and this can be caused either by climate change or by alterations in marine currents that are affecting the beaches as well.”
TYT Newsroom
