Cozumel, Q.R. — The Cozumel Parks and Museums Foundation (FPMC) concluded the “2024 Sea Turtle Protection Program” with the registration of 747 turtle nests at the Punta Sur Turtle Camp.
The FPMC says of the nests, 619 correspond to Chelonia mydas turtles (white or green) and 128 to the Caretta Caretta species (loggerhead). During the season, 212 volunteers participated in the monitoring and protection of turtles.
The FPMC promotes the care and conservation of endangered species, such as sea turtles, recognized for their ecological importance and their value for the biodiversity of the Island, highlighted the General Director of the institution, Juanita Alonso Marrufo.
The Director of Conservation and Environmental Education (CEA), Rafael Chacón Díaz, said that the FPMC is a pioneer in Quintana Roo with more than 30 years of experience in leading actions to protect sea turtles.
They have also raised awareness in society, mainly in children and young people, who lived a unique experience by actively participating in the protection of these emblematic species and learning about the life cycle of sea turtles.
He added that the “2024 Sea Turtle Protection Program” began in April and, after seven months of monitoring, marking, geolocation, relocation of nests at risk and release of hatchlings with the participation of the community, he considered a positive balance during the season.
The camp manager, Ricardo Peralta Muñoz, thanked the 212 volunteers for their commitment, who, in addition to protecting the nests and the chicks, carried out beach cleaning work, removing 3,937 kilograms of trash that could have hindered the movement of the nesting females and the chicks to the sea.
As for the results, 1,965 baby turtles were released: 1,863 white turtles and 102 loggerheads. In addition, many of the hatchlings managed to reach the sea on their own and this information will be shared with the State Committee on Sea Turtles to strengthen conservation efforts and contribute to local and national statistics.
With this program, the FPMC reaffirms its commitment to the protection of endangered species, promoting a conservation model based on environmental education and community participation for the preservation of Cozumel’s natural heritage.
