Cancún Protects 1,169 Turtle Nests, Releases 331 Hatchlings

Cancún, Mexico — As part of the 2025 sea turtle nesting season, the General Directorate of Ecology for the municipality of Benito Juárez reported that 1,169 nests have been protected, safeguarding approximately 142,000 eggs, with 331 hatchlings successfully released so far. Fernando Haro Salinas, head of the department, provided the update.

Public Urged to Avoid Interaction with Nesting Turtles

Haro Salinas emphasized the importance of public cooperation, stating, "We remind both residents and tourists that if they see a turtle arriving to nest on our beaches, they should not interact with the species. Instead, they must notify authorities or hotel staff, who are properly trained to handle these situations."

Enhanced Surveillance and Protection Efforts

To ensure the safety of the nesting turtles, Ecology personnel have intensified surveillance patrols along Cancún’s 12 kilometers of coastline. The goal is to identify turtles and their nests promptly, providing assistance when needed and relocating eggs to designated protective enclosures.

So far, 42 enclosures have been installed, with additional ones planned to accommodate the turtles that return annually to the region’s shores.

Uncertain Outlook for 2025 Nesting Season

Haro Salinas declined to predict whether this year’s nesting numbers would surpass or fall short of previous years, citing external factors beyond local control. "Meteorological phenomena, such as hurricanes or tropical storms, can directly impact whether turtles arrive to nest," he explained.

Among the controllable factors, authorities are closely monitoring conditions to ensure optimal nesting environments. However, challenges persist, including increased sargassum accumulation on beaches, which obstructs turtles’ access to the shore.

Sargassum and Boat Strikes Pose Risks

The surge in sargassum has already led to at least 10 documented cases of turtles dying after being struck by boats, as reduced visibility from the seaweed makes navigation hazardous for both marine life and vessels.

Efforts to mitigate these risks remain a priority as the nesting season continues.