Sea Turtle Conservation in the Mexican Caribbean
// June 10th, 2010 // View Comments // Uncategorized
Every year thousands of sea turtles come to the shores of Mexico to lay their eggs on the beach before returning to the sea. Six species of turtles make the Mexican Caribbean their destination of choice, including the endangered Green Sea Turtles and Loggerheads. The nesting season begins in May and lasts through October, with the eggs hatching 50-60 days after being deposited in the sand. Not that long ago the turtles were hunted for their shells and meat, but thankfully the Mexican government placed them on the protected species list, implementing laws that make the theft of eggs and the killing of turtles punishable by jail time. Unfortunately, year after year erosion and contamination have spoiled some of their pristine nesting grounds, prompting animal organizations in the region to lend a helping hand to ensure the continued cycle of life of these peaceful creatures.
The Tortugranja (Turtle Farm) on Isla Mujeres is one of the organizations devoted to the conservation of the sea turtle. This scientific research center is funded almost exclusively by private donations, relying on the generosity of individuals and businesses to continue their work. Dolphin Discovery is pleased to contribute to the cause and to be working with the Tortugranja in their efforts to protect the sea turtles of Isla Mujeres. We have donated recycled materials such as fencing to build new protected nesting areas and holding areas for turtles. Our veterinarians are assisting in the care of the turtles and our laboratories are being used for analysis of samples for research. In addition, our team of dolphin trainers are working on night watches on the shores, monitoring the nests and protecting the mothers who come to lay their eggs. Through the combined contributions of many on Isla Mujeres and in the state of Quintana Roo, we hope to give the turtles a full, free life in the sea.
The Tortungranja of Isla Mujeres is open to the public, please stop by and visit! A portion of the 30 peso entrance fee goes directly to conservation efforts and allows the facility to continue its great work with the turtles. You’ll see a variety of turtle species in different life stages, and enjoy the small aquarium with a collection of local sea life (the sea horses are a delight!) The Tortugranja is located just minutes from Dolphin Discovery Isla Mujeres on the west coast of the island, a pleasant way to spend an hour after swimming with dolphins. If you come at the right time, you just might be lucky enough to see newborns or participate in a turtle release program!
If you are visiting the Mexican Caribbean during the months of May to November, be aware that it is nesting and hatching season. Watch your step on the beach, while many nests are clearly marked by protection agencies, sometimes you’ll stumble on a nest that has yet to be noted, do not step on the nest, do not move the sand and definitely do not touch the eggs! If you find an unmarked nest, be sure to notify hotel staff, they will make arrangements for its protection. If you are on the beach at night and are fortunate enough to see a mother turtle coming ashore, please leave her in peace, do not make loud noises nor shine flashlights and avoid taking pictures with a flash camera. The lights will scare the mother back to sea (this is why some hotels in the Riviera Maya shut off many of their outdoor lights during nesting season). Just sit back and observe a miracle of nature, the memories will last forever. Report the event to your hotel or security staff to ensure that the nest is protected as soon as possible. Through education, awareness and the continued efforts of humans who care, the sea turtles will be around for millennia to come.
If you would like to help the sea turtles, please contact the Tortugranja on Isla Mujeres turtfarm@cancun.com.mx or the CEA in Akumal
