Sea Turtle Strandings Rise on Cancún’s Coast

Cancún, Mexico — Local environmental authorities have responded to 18 incidents of sea turtle strandings and wash-ups along the coast of Cancún since the nesting season began in May. According to official data, the majority of these incidents are caused by collisions with watercraft, though cases due to the animals' natural diseases have also been recorded.

Fernando Haro Salinas, Director of Ecology for the Benito Juárez municipality, stated that to mitigate these incidents, the department has reiterated a public awareness campaign in collaboration with the Port Captaincy, nautical clubs, and the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas. The primary objective is to encourage boat captains to reduce their speed, particularly in areas known to have a presence of the sea turtles.

One particular incident that underscores the vulnerability of these animals involved an intoxicated individual who attempted to sell a sea turtle in the hotel zone. Fortunately, the specimen was recovered and released back into the sea.

Furthermore, the public has collaborated in these efforts, as the attention to and reporting of irregularities have allowed for a rapid response in protecting the species that come to nest.

"Currently, we have more than 980,000 eggs under protection in more than 8,100 nests along the 12 kilometers of coastline," said Haro Salinas. "With hatchings occurring daily, the infrastructure has been reinforced with 48 corrals, some of which have been expanded at Playa Marlín and Playa Delfín, and an additional one has even been added."

It is important to note that taking or selling a sea turtle is a federal crime punishable by 3 to 9 years in prison; however, despite the incidents, no criminal complaints or arrests have been made by the National Guard to date.

For this reason, authorities are calling on the public to immediately contact 911, the General Directorate of Ecology, or trained hotel staff if they witness a hatching release, and to avoid interacting with the hatchlings.

The nesting season extends until October, with the last hatchings expected in December or early January.