With the arrival of the warmer months, hundreds of sea turtles approach various coasts around the world to lay their eggs, turning beaches in Spain, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and other countries into crucial locations for the survival of these species. This natural event, which occurs annually between spring and autumn in the Northern Hemisphere, is surrounded by environmental and social challenges that require joint action by governments, scientists, and citizens.
During nesting season, female turtles emerge at night to search for optimal locations to excavate their nests and lay their eggs. This delicate process is vital to the survival of species such as the loggerhead, leatherback, hawksbill, green, and loggerhead sharks, many of which are classified as endangered. However, urbanization, the presence of feral animals, pollution, and climate change continue to increase obstacles year after year.
Main nesting beaches: from the Valencian Community to the Caribbean and the Pacific
Spain has experienced an increase in nests in the Mediterranean area. A recent example is the discovery of the first loggerhead turtle nest on Marineta Casiana beach, Dénia, with 116 eggs, some of which were transferred to incubators for protection. These layings confirm the turtles' adaptation to new environmental conditions resulting from climate change and rising sea temperatures.
In Mexico, places like Oaxaca, Quintana Roo, Baja California Sur and Yucatán They are notable for the arrival of thousands of females each season. The Barra de la Cruz-Playa Grande Sanctuary in Oaxaca has witnessed a successful period, with 227 leatherback nests protected and more than 8.400 hatchlings released. In Cancún, the monitoring of 126 nests has led to the release of thousands of specimens, involving specialized personnel and local volunteers. Localities such as Progreso, Chuburná, Celestún, and Telchac Puerto in Yucatán are affected by real estate developments and the presence of stray dogs that destroy nests.
In the Dominican Republic, the phenomenon occurs on the beaches of Jaragua National Park, Bahía de las Águilas, Barahona, Saona and MichesLeatherback turtles and other species nest between March and November, but face the added challenge of sargassum, overexploitation of tourism, and illegal egg harvesting.
Persistent threats: urban development, predators and environmental factors
The rise of construction in coastal areas and vehicle traffic are recurring causes of nest destruction. Associated with this, plastic pollution, artificial lighting near the beach, and fishing activity put both eggs and hatchlings at risk. Natural predators and stray dogs exacerbate the situation, drastically reducing the hatching rate: in parts of Yucatán, less than 40% of nests survive.
In the Dominican Republic, sargassum can block beach access for nesting females, while a lack of personnel prevents effective protection. Poaching by people in search of eggs, whether due to popular belief or as an economic resource, continues to be a challenge even where laws and surveillance exist.
Actions and strategies for the conservation of sea turtles
To address these problems, cooperation between authorities, NGOs, research centers and local communities has been strengthened.Nighttime surveillance is a constant on sensitive beaches, where teams monitor and identify tracks, protect nests, and move eggs to safe areas. In the Valencian Community, satellite tracking helps assess the behavior of females during the reproductive period.
Programs like those in the Dominican Republic include nest marking, relocation of endangered eggs, lighting regulation, and the creation of national databases, as well as the presence of mixed patrols for environmental surveillance and education. In Mexico, public participation through reporting and hatchling release activities has become key.
Many associations work to preserve these endangered species, fighting to prevent their extinction and protect their habitats.. Likewise, egg protection and environmental education in nearby communities are essential to ensure a successful nesting season. To learn more about fish and their relationship with the marine ecosystem, see how fish communicate.
How can citizens help protect turtles?
In the event of a discovery of nesting turtles or marked nestsThe key is to avoid disturbing others, avoid getting too close, and avoid using flashlights or cameras. It's recommended to notify local authorities, park rangers, or designated hotlines such as 112 in Spain or regional environmental protection hotlines in Latin America. Participating in volunteer programs and following signs regarding restricted access to certain beaches also make a long-term difference.
Turtle nesting season is a stage transcendental for marine and terrestrial biodiversity, but also an opportunity to raise awareness about the balance between human development and environmental conservation. Despite constant difficulties, the combined technical, legal, and social efforts are enabling significant progress in the protection of these iconic marine reptiles.
