New Isla Contoy Sanctuary Plan Protects Turtle Nesting Sites

Isla Contoy, Mexico — A new management plan has been published for the beaches of Isla Contoy, which were declared a sanctuary in 2022 due to their critical role as nesting grounds for hawksbill, loggerhead, green, and leatherback sea turtles. The plan, detailed in the Diario Oficial de la Federación (DOF), establishes 12 restricted-use zones covering a total area of 10,394,546 hectares.

Protected Zones and Conservation Efforts

The sanctuary encompasses sandy beaches, coastal dune vegetation, and well-preserved coastal scrub, all of which support vital biological and ecological processes for native flora and fauna. The area also provides essential environmental services, including carbon sequestration.

The plan permits low-impact recreational activities, provided visitor numbers remain within the ecosystem’s carrying capacity. Infrastructure for eco-tourism, research, environmental monitoring, and education is allowed, but only if it aligns with the sanctuary’s conservation goals.

Restrictions and Prohibitions

Key prohibitions under the new regulations include:

• Feeding, capturing, or disturbing wildlife, except for scientific research and environmental monitoring.
• Altering or destroying nesting, feeding, or breeding sites.
• Landing aircraft, except for emergencies.
• Changing land use or constructing public or private buildings.
• Installing lighting that disrupts sea turtles’ reproductive cycles.
• Building waste containment facilities or hazardous material storage.
• Lighting open fires.

The subzones with lower turtle nesting density will allow limited beach activities and low-impact infrastructure, such as semi-fixed thatched palapas, grills, dining areas, trails, and signage.

The plan emphasizes maintaining the sanctuary’s ecological integrity while balancing sustainable tourism and conservation.