La red turtle is taking center stage this year in Playa del Carmen due to the positive results obtained so far in the nesting season. Along the coast, at least 1.500 nests until July 25, according to figures presented by local environmental authorities during the First Session of the Committee for the Protection and Conservation of Sea Turtles. This balance reflects a hopeful pace and without significant alterations, despite the presence of sargasso in the coastal area.
The conservation of this species, whose populations have been at risk, is being made possible thanks to the collaboration between civil society, government and the tourism sector. Currently, there are operating along the entire coastal strip six conservation campsIn which seven specialized workers They carry out 24-hour surveillance. To achieve this objective, they have specific tools, such as ATVs and red light flashlights that avoid altering the natural behavior of the turtles.
Authorities emphasize that coastal surveillance is intense and has yielded good results, allowing immediate response to any unexpected event that may affect the nests. To date, only one isolated incident has been reported—a nest attacked by a coati—but There has been no looting, theft or serious threats in the nesting areas, so the situation is considered favorable.
A notable aspect is the coordination between institutions. Especially relevant has been the involvement of the Directorate of the Federal Maritime-Terrestrial Zone (Zofemat), which this year has strengthened its presence in the work and provided additional support to the Ministry of Sustainable Environment and Climate Change. Collaboration with federal authorities also enhances the protection of these marine species.
On the other hand, The hotel sector plays a key role in conservationCompanies with beach concessions—historical nesting sites for the red sea turtle—have shown active commitment, joining protection and surveillance initiatives during this season.
La nesting season will remain active until November, so it is not yet possible to confirm whether there will be an increase in the total number of nests recorded in previous periods. However, the general trend remains positive and at levels similar to those of recent years, as Secretary Samantha Álvarez Hernández has stressed.
Joint efforts and constant monitoring have allowed us to maintain control over nesting areas and maintain a stable reproduction rate for the red sea turtle in Playa del Carmen. Cooperation between federal, state, and municipal authorities, civil society, and the tourism sector is essential to ensuring the survival and well-being of this species on the Mexican coast.
