Once again, Yucatán has become the perfect natural setting for the preservation of the hawksbill sea turtle species, with the release of around 100 hatchlings. This effort is part of the initiatives promoted by Governor Mauricio Vila Dosal for the protection and conservation of fauna and the environment, towards a greener state.
Following Governor Vila Dosal’s instructions, Toshio Yokoyama Cobá, the Director of Natural Resources Management and Conservation at the Secretary of Sustainable Development (SDS), participated alongside volunteers in releasing the young turtles on the beach in the port of Sisal. They were returned to their natural habitat with the hope that they will eventually return to the Yucatecan coasts as adults to continue their reproductive cycle.
The SDS expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts supporting this species, involving all three levels of government, civil society, independent organizations, and academic institutions. These collaborations are instrumental in advancing the conservation of these protected animals.
During the 2023 season, up until July, the Sea Turtle Program in Yucatán recorded a total of 2,003 nests of the hawksbill species, distributed in state-run camps located in Sisal (with 1,015 nests), Telchac Puerto (901 nests), and Dzilam de Bravo (87 nests). This adds up to a total of 207,104 hawksbill hatchlings.
These sanctuaries operate with the support of 77 volunteers, mostly young individuals from the mentioned communities. This approach fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility towards the species.
During this holiday season, both locals and visitors were urged to respect protective measures. The specimens are particularly vulnerable during this phase, making it crucial to remember that motorized vehicles and horses are prohibited on the beaches, as they pose a threat to nests and hatchlings.
It’s important to note that Yucatán’s beaches are nesting grounds for the hawksbill, loggerhead, and green sea turtle species—three of the seven turtle classes—which are protected by the NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010 and NOM-162-SEMARNAT-2012 regulations.
The nesting season typically starts in April and ends in the third week of November. It includes the specific phases of nesting from April to August and the hatching period, usually occurring from June to November.
For the citizens of Yucatán, a hotline for the Sea Turtle Protection and Conservation Program (999 502 7825) operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to report any situation that might require investigation. Additionally, people can visit the website http://bitly.ws/RArP for more information.
In this regard, the State Government, through the SDS, reaffirms its commitment to strengthen actions and public policies in environmental protection. These efforts aim to enable the natural development and conservation of all species inhabiting the state, while continuing to work as a team towards a greener and more sustainable Yucatán.
TYT Newsroom