Cozumel’s Turtle Sanctuary Hatches 100,000 Babies

Cozumel, Mexico — More than 5,100 sea turtle nests registered this season at the San Martín turtle sanctuary have now hatched, resulting in nearly 100,000 hatchlings making their way to the sea to preserve the species. This information was provided by Noel Rivas Camo, the Operational Subdirector of Ecology for the municipality of Cozumel.

Current efforts for the season are focused on the search and rescue of hatchlings. This work involves cleaning out the nests to count the hatched eggshells and estimate the number of young turtles that have successfully reached the sea. These actions are necessary due to the constant and high presence of predators in the area.

Education and Conservation Efforts

Parallel to these conservation activities, work is underway to foster knowledge about the actions taken to protect and preserve the sea turtles. Two species arrive on the island: the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) and the green or white turtle (Chelonia mydas). This educational outreach includes guided visits to the turtle camp located on the eastern zone of the island.

One of these programs involves the public release of turtle hatchlings. This initiative has already engaged more than a thousand people and is scheduled to conclude in the first few days of November. The program's goal is for children, adolescents, and adults to learn about the life cycle of the chelonians and the importance of protecting them.

Nesting Statistics and Species Data

Regarding the nesting numbers, Rivas Camo indicated that this year more than 5,100 nests have been registered within the camp. However, of the nests that have been attended and monitored, 225 cleanings were conducted in the month of September alone. This signifies approximately 22,500 hatched turtles that are estimated to have reached the sea.

When asked about the number of nests for each species that arrives in Cozumel, he commented that a more precise balance will be available once the season concludes. However, as is the case every year, the white turtle is more abundant than the loggerhead.