On the beaches of Oaxaca, the olive ridley turtle It stars in one of the most important natural spectacles on the Mexican coast. Every year, starting in July, thousands of specimens of this species arrive at the coast to spawn, a fundamental process for the survival and recovery of their populations, which have been threatened for decades by human action and adverse environmental factors.
During the current nesting season, environmental authorities have reinforced their presence in key areas such as the La Escobilla Beach Sanctuary and Morro AyutaIn these areas, the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa) and the Ministry of the Navy (Semar) carry out surveillance operations, after identifying the ongoing problem of egg poaching, an illegal practice that persists in the region despite the penalties stipulated by Mexican law.
Historic arrivals and season figures
This year, the first arrivals were recorded starting on July 19 and continued for several days. According to official estimates, approximately XNUMX people arrived in just one of these waves. 42.870 olive ridley turtles, depositing around 3,8 million eggs In La Escobilla. In Morro Ayuta, the number exceeded one million eggs in just five days of activity.
Weather conditions, especially rainfall and high temperatures, have favored more numerous arrivals, increasing expectations for successful incubation and the birth of new chicks. Last season, eight large arrivals were recorded, and a total of more than 64 million eggs deposited, with an emergency rate close to 22,4%.
Challenges: looting, impunity and environmental threats
Despite the efforts, the illegal egg extraction continues to represent one of the main problems for the conservation of the olive ridley sea turtle. In recent operations, several bags containing thousands of illegally extracted eggs were recovered and transported to turtle camps in an attempt to preserve them. However, impunity persists, with few perpetrators identified and punished, allowing illicit trade to continue generating income for those who exploit this natural resource.
Looting is not the only threat. The growth of tourism, especially unregulated ecotourism, creates additional pressures. Excess visitors can increase the alteration of nesting areas, while light pollution from tourist developments can disorient both adult females and newborn pups. In addition, plastic garbage, natural predators such as birds or crabs and culinary traditions continue to endanger the future of the species.
Added to these challenges are emerging diseases and climate change, which are modifying habitats and affecting nest viability. coordination between government institutions, academic entities and local communities is essential to respond to these challenges.
The importance of community surveillance and action
El Staff of the Navy and Profepa The team conducts daily patrols to detect and stop illegal activities, in addition to monitoring nests and ensuring safety during the spawning and hatching process. Eggs rescued from poachers are buried in safe places or placed in protected pens on the beach, where they remain under close surveillance until they hatch, which typically occurs between 45 and 60 days later.
Mexican law strictly protects the olive ridley turtle, classified as endangered according to NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010 and listed in CITES Appendix I. Consuming, selling, or harvesting its eggs can result in up to nine years in prison, although the effective application of these sanctions still has limitations.
Initiatives of community ecotourism have contributed to strengthening the relationship between coastal communities and the species. In this context, former hunters have become nest guardians, earning alternative income and fostering a perception of the turtle as a natural heritage. These efforts have led to increased nesting and hatchling survival rates.
The future of the olive ridley turtle in Mexico will depend on the collaboration between authorities, science and societySurveillance, environmental education, and the development of responsible tourism models are essential to ensure that this emblematic species continues to arrive annually on the coasts of Oaxaca and maintains its life cycle. Protecting marine biodiversity requires ongoing efforts and a shared vision to address risks and seize conservation opportunities.
