On Sunday morning, emergency services received a report that two juvenile sea turtles had washed ashore dead on the beaches of Boca del Río, in the state of Veracruz. The animals were found near the Costa de Oro and Costa Verde areas, having been carried there by the waves, according to initial reports.
This latest incident brings the number of dead turtles on the Veracruz coast to three in the same week , adding to a worrying statistic that already includes 35 deaths so far this year, according to data from the Veracruz Reef System National Park. Environmental authorities, including Civil Protection and the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa), have been notified to determine the exact causes of these deaths.
Discovery on the coast
Initial reports indicate that the two reptiles were spotted by passersby and lifeguards, who alerted emergency services. Upon arrival, rescuers confirmed that the animals showed no vital signs and were in an advanced state of decomposition, suggesting they had been in the water for several days before washing ashore.
From the Veracruz Reef System National Park, its director, José Carlos Pizaña Soto, explained that constant monitoring of the coasts is being maintained to try to reduce the mortality of these protected species. Speaking to local media, he indicated that the leading hypothesis points to bycatch in nets, although there is still no official confirmation.
Ongoing research
Specialists have begun performing necropsies to determine if the animals have injuries or show signs of contact with fishing gear . This information will be key to clarifying whether there is a connection between the various cases recorded in recent weeks, as a common origin cannot be ruled out.
Meanwhile, the public has expressed concern about the situation, and authorities have asked that any sightings of turtles, whether alive or dead, be reported immediately to emergency services. Public cooperation is essential to act quickly and prevent further deaths.
nesting season
Despite these tragic findings, the nesting season continues in the region. As of last week, 78 sea turtle nests had been recorded , 11 of which were located on beaches in the metropolitan area and the rest on the islands of the national park. Lifeguards and local residents have played a vital role in detecting these nests, allowing some to be relocated to protected incubation areas.
Among the most frequently observed species in the area are the Kemp's ridley sea turtle and the green sea turtle , both endangered. The presence of these animals on the Veracruz coast is an indicator of the ecosystem's health, so each death represents a serious blow to the protection of sea turtles.
Authorities have reiterated that patrols will be reinforced and surveillance intensified over the coming months, coinciding with the peak nesting season. Fishermen have also been asked to exercise extreme caution and use turtle excluder devices on their nets to minimize accidental impact.
With these new cases, the number of sea turtle deaths this year has risen to 35, a figure that exceeds the average of recent years and has raised alarms among conservationists. The ongoing investigation will determine whether this is a natural phenomenon or if human factors are involved, but in the meantime, the community is closely monitoring every development.
