On the Salvadoran coast, a group of residents has gone from being part of the problem to becoming part of the solution. The community of Barra de Santiago , in the southwest of the country, has transformed its relationship with sea turtles, now dedicating itself to protecting the eggs they previously sold or consumed.
The story of Dora MartÃnez reflects this change. This woman, who for years earned a living trading turtle eggs , now works as a "nursery worker" in an incubation pen, guarding the nests so that the hatchlings can reach the sea.
A radical shift towards protection
Dora MartÃnez, a member of the Barra de Santiago Women's Community Development Association (AMBAS) since 2000, confesses that she was afraid at first. But over time she got used to spending sleepless nights , waiting for the turtles to come ashore so she could help them lay their eggs. "We take care of them so the species doesn't disappear," she explains to EFE.
The task is not easy. It requires monitoring the shoreline throughout the night and transferring the eggs to the hatchery to protect them from natural predators and, above all, from human activity. In 2025, this effort resulted in the release of approximately 19.000 baby sea turtles.
Species and threats on Golden Beach
Playa Dorada, with its black sand and proximity to the Barra de Santiago Protected Natural Area, is a key nesting site for species such as the leatherback sea turtle—the world's largest turtle—the olive ridley, and the black sea turtle. The peak nesting period is between August and November , when the females come ashore to dig their nests and lay their eggs.
Previously, these eggs were sold by locals, a practice that provided a source of income but endangered the turtles' survival. Since 2009, Salvadoran law has prohibited the consumption, sale, and possession of these products , with fines of up to $30.000 or prison sentences of up to five years.
The ecological value of sea turtles
The hatchery coordinator, Ricardo GarcÃa, emphasizes that sea turtles play a fundamental role in ecosystems. They control populations of jellyfish and other species harmful to humans , in addition to contributing to nutrient exchange. The calcium from the eggshells becomes part of the sand and benefits other species.
GarcÃa also debunks myths: turtle eggs do not have aphrodisiac properties and, in fact, can contain heavy metals and high levels of cholesterol, which are harmful to health. Increased awareness has led the community to see more benefits in preserving them than in consuming them.
The experience of Barra de Santiago demonstrates that change is possible when a community understands the value of its environment. The combination of education, monitoring, and strict laws has resulted in thousands of hatchlings reaching the ocean each year, ensuring the survival of these species for future generations.