hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), an iconic species of tropical and subtropical seas, is currently undergoing one of the most decisive stages for its survival in Mexico. Several states in the country have intensified their rescue, protection and awareness-raising actions to prevent this species, considered in critical danger of extinction, continue to decline in number. The 2025 season is being especially active in nest monitoring, rescues, and releases of hatchlings.
In recent days, several news items have come to light that reflect the coordinated work between government institutions, civil organizations and volunteersThese actions seek not only to save isolated individuals, but also to protect nests and raise public awareness about the vital role of hawksbill turtles in marine ecosystems.
Urgent rescues and rehabilitation in Baja California Sur
In the community of Todos Santos, Baja California Sur, the event recently took place rescue of an adult hawksbill turtle in a vulnerable state. The discovery was made during a patrol on El Faro beach by the Secretariat of the Navy, PROFEPA and municipal authoritiesAfter detection, the turtle was transferred to the Pichilingüe Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, in La Paz, where he remains under specialized medical evaluation.
These rescues They depend on rapid reaction and inter-institutional coordinationAuthorities emphasize that surveillance will continue to be strengthened in the area and remind the public of the importance of reporting risk situations or the discovery of injured marine wildlife. For environmental emergencies, the Naval Sector of Cabo San Lucas and the Navy maintain open telephone lines for the public.
Success in protecting and releasing nests in Yucatán and Ciudad del Carmen
On the coast of Progreso, Yucatan, the 2025 nesting season began with an outstanding release of the first 200 hawksbill turtle hatchlings, supervised by volunteers and biologists from the Center for Marine Technological Studies (CETMAR)The process involves letting the hatchlings reach the sea on their own, strengthening their muscles to improve their chances of survival. The nests, which number more than 185 during the season, are monitored, and if necessary, the eggs are transferred to a "turtle hospital" until the appropriate time for release.
En Ciudad del Carmen, Campeche’s most emblematic landmarks, the Tris Island Ecological Group AC and Chelonios Brigade patrol beaches such as Tierra y Libertad and Xicalango. Their actions have allowed rescue and protect at least nine nests Only this season. The eggs are moved to incubation pens to protect them from threats such as heavy rains or predators. Collaboration with municipal authorities, civil organizations, and universities has strengthened nest protection and promoted the citizen awareness.
Each released offspring represents a hope for its conservationHowever, the survival rate is very low: it is estimated that only 1% of the offspring will reach adulthood and return to the beach where it was born to complete its reproductive cycle.
Main threats and challenges for the hawksbill turtle
La hawksbill turtle faces multiple threats, from hunting and illegal trafficking —its shell is still highly prized— until the pollution, bycatch and habitat degradationUnregulated coastal development, the use of artificial lighting on nesting beaches, and human presence with vehicles or pets put both adults and nests at risk. Mexican authorities enforce strict regulations such as the NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010 and NOM-162-SEMARNAT-2012, which prohibit the trafficking and consumption of sea turtles and establish guidelines for their protection. You can learn more about these regulations in our dedicated article.
El climate change adds additional difficulties, altering the sexing of the offspring and reducing the viability of the nests. Therefore, conservation requires not only surveillance but also environmental education and active collaboration between citizens, the government and non-governmental organizations.
The ecological value of the hawksbill turtle in the oceans
In addition to its delicate situation, the hawksbill turtle meets one essential ecological functionTheir diet of marine sponges helps maintain reef balance; their nests fertilize the sand and promote coastal vegetation, helping to prevent erosion. The presence of these marine reptiles maintains the biodiversity of marine ecosystems and promotes their stability.
Figures show that only approximately 80.000 hawksbill turtles worldwideEvery step forward in its protection represents a source of hope for ocean biodiversity.
The 2025 season reflects tangible progress in the conservation of this species in Mexico, thanks to enhanced surveillance, the rescue and rehabilitation of specimens, as well as collaboration between communities, scientists, and authorities. Maintaining commitment and active participation is essential to protect their beaches, reduce pollution, and report any illegal acts that affect their marine life.
