Environmental authorities report a significant increase in the number of sea turtle nests being secured on the coasts of Yucatán to lay their eggs. The Secretary of Sustainable Development (SDS), Sayda Rodríguez Gómez, pointed out that the sea turtle nesting season, which began in April and ends this month, has witnessed outstanding citizen participation.
Rodríguez Gómez emphasized that not only has there been an increase in the number of hatchlings and nests, but also in the number of volunteers who have contributed this time.
She highlighted that there has been a 20% increase in reports of nests compared to the previous year when more than 2,000 nests were secured on both beaches and the five turtle camps.
This increase in nest securing has enabled the release of between 216,000 and 280,000 sea turtles into the sea after hatching, considering that each nest contains 90 to 120 eggs.
Furthermore, the vital role of citizen participation in reporting turtle sightings on the beaches was emphasized.
The SDS aims to promote on-site protection of sea turtles and recognizes the public’s commitment to marking and reporting nests, as well as closely monitoring the turtle hatching process over the required 60 days.
During this sea turtle nesting season, unfortunately, it was reported that feral dogs attacked and caused the death of at least 3 turtles on the beaches of Telchac Puerto.
In December 2022, SEMARNAT declared 17 sea turtle nesting beaches as Natural Protected Areas with the status of Sanctuaries, including Yucatán.
According to the decree, the necessary adjustments were made to the polygons that would make up these new protected natural areas, including nesting surfaces that were previously unprotected, as well as areas in good condition for the development and conservation of these turtles.
These sanctuaries are located in the states of Chiapas, Guerrero, Jalisco, Michoacán de Ocampo, Oaxaca, Quintana Roo, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, and Yucatán, covering a total of 6,637 hectares.
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