Yucatán Sea Turtles Face Human Threats

Mérida, Yucatán — The sea turtles arriving on the coasts of Yucatán to nest are currently facing a severe problem due to incorrect human actions and, above all, a lack of punishment from the corresponding authorities.

One of the most recent cases highlighting this situation was the presence of various vehicles on the beaches of Chelem. In images that were made public, at least three cars stuck in the sand could be observed in an area specifically designated for the nesting of sea turtles.

Residents of the area and social media users demanded that the corresponding fines and punishments be carried out. Driving vehicles onto the shorelines of beaches is completely prohibited, and, above all, damaging wildlife unconsciously is a crime. However, authorities have not issued any statement on the matter so far.

Another incident that has also affected the turtle nesting season was reported by members of the Telchac Puerto Turtle Club. They exposed the use of herbicides by people in the coastal dunes, causing the elimination of native vegetation, soil contamination, and risks to turtle eggs.

"The use of herbicides not only eliminates the native vegetation that keeps the dune stable but also contaminates the soil and puts the turtle eggs buried in the sand at serious risk. These chemicals can alter embryonic development, decrease hatching rates, and cause the direct death of the eggs AS IN THIS CASE," stated the members.

According to activists and protectors of these species, these types of irresponsible actions are a reflection of a lack of environmental awareness and, above all, of sanctions, as human activity is increasingly beginning to end the life of flora and fauna in Yucatán.

In the 2024 season alone, which ran from April to October, there was a record of 1,251 nests, of which 1,249 corresponded to Hawksbill turtles and 2 to White turtles, according to authorities.

Currently, during this 2025 season, the nesting processes of sea turtles have been threatened and, above all, affected by various human factors, endangering the natural development of the fauna.