The future of the green turtle (Chelonia mydas) on the Mexican coast is of increasing concern to biologists, environmentalists and coastal communities alike. With the start of the nesting season, specialists warn that this iconic marine species not only faces the historical threats of the illegal egg trafficking, but also a host of risks stemming from pollution, tourism growth, and climate change, which could jeopardize its long-term survival.
During these key months, The beaches of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean, including regions such as Veracruz, Tamaulipas, Campeche and Yucatan, become vital areas for the reproductive cycle of the green turtleIn these places, the arrival of adult females to lay their eggs is a crucial moment that attracts both scientists and tourists. However, it's not all good news: recently, the appearance of dead specimens with visible injuries on the shell, which demonstrates the persistence of serious threats on the coast.
Main risks for the green turtle
The threats affecting the green turtle in Mexico are as diverse as they are worrying. Among the most frequent dangers are:
- Artisanal fishing nets and boat propellers, which can cause fatal injuries or prevent animals from reaching nesting sites in time.
- Egg trafficking and looting, based on beliefs about its supposed healing properties, although extraction is strictly prohibited and punishable.
- Plastic pollution, as turtles often mistake this waste for food, causing blockages and fatal risks.
- Presence of domestic animals on the beach, especially loose dogs, which can excavate nests, prey on eggs, or transmit parasites that are dangerous to people and turtles.
- Use of vehicles and artificial lights, which alter natural spawning cycles and disorient both females and newborn pups.
El global warming continues to accelerate the deterioration of its habitat. The sand temperature It directly influences the proportion of males and females born, as the sex of the offspring depends on it. Extreme events such as storms, rising sea levels, or coastal erosion also destroy nests and irreversibly alter traditional nesting beaches.
Lack of clear protocols and the role of citizens
Despite the seriousness of the scenario, precise protocols do not always exist to address cases of sea turtle mortality. The presence of dead specimens in coastal areas is nothing new, and local residents report that several bodies appear each year without federal authorities acting quickly and in the necessary coordination to collect data and analyze the causes.
In this context, social participation and respect for conservation programs are essential. Experts recommend not interfering with the nesting or hatching processes: turtles need to make their journey to the sea naturally to maintain the migratory cycle that ensures future generations return to the same beaches. They also recommend avoiding bringing pets to the beaches and reporting dangerous behaviors such as egg theft or using vehicles on the sand.
Environmental education and collaborative monitoring
In different regions of the country, there are community and volunteer programs dedicated to nighttime beach patrols, nest protection, and relocation of those at risk. In addition to the work of professionals and technicians in the field, environmental education campaigns aimed at residents and tourists seek to promote respect for life cycles of the green turtle. Workshops, information campaigns, and signage contribute to ensuring that human interaction is compatible with its protection.
Special emphasis is placed on do not touch or photograph with flash specimens during nesting or when hatchlings emerge. If you find a disoriented turtle in urban areas, it is recommended to notify the authorities or conservation agencies for instructions and to avoid further risks.
The current period, which extends into late summer and early fall, is crucial for the survival of this species. Only through coordinated efforts between authorities, environmental organizations, and the local community will it be possible to halt the negative trend that threatens the viability of the species. green turtle on the Mexican coast.
