Playa del Carmen, Mexico — Following the implementation of management criteria for sea turtle viewing in Akumal, the turtles are getting sick less frequently and are remaining in the bay for longer periods, according to José Juan Domínguez, director of the Mexican Caribbean Biosphere Reserve for the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (Conanp).
In an interview, the federal official detailed that turtle watching tourism is permitted, but only within confined areas known as corridors.
"The turtles, if they feel harassed, can move to an area where they cannot be disturbed," explained the director, who indicated that Conanp is vigilant in ensuring that visitors do not enter these exclusive areas.
He stated that tourism service providers are in agreement with these restrictions because they understand that if tourists are allowed to chase or touch the turtles, the animals can become sick or leave the area.
Seagrass Analysis Underway
Questioned about the seagrass, the expert indicated that its presence fluctuates, but they are already analyzing ways to increase the available quantity in Akumal and other parts of Quintana Roo.
This comes after detecting that there are areas where the seagrass has diminished, a situation that could be attributed to sargassum, which releases various chemicals into the water.
"We have to figure out how to coexist with sargassum, because it is no longer possible, as we thought before, to just leave it there on the beach," he stated.
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