Isla Mujeres, Q.R. — Due to a lack of agreements with the National Institute of Fisheries and Aquaculture (Inapesca), the Tortugranja de Isla Mujeres remains shut.
The future of the sea turtle sanctuary for the island remains uncertain due to property negotiations with the municipality. Gisela Maldonado Saldaña of Grupo Tortuguero del Caribe, explained that the municipal government continues to take steps to maintain the community space, however, Inapesca’s management has not yielded.
“As far as we understand, the city council is carrying out a series of projects that the collaboration agreement be restored and access to the facilities be reopened with a more defined work plan,” said the specialist.
The Grupo Tortuguero del Caribe has offered the Municipal Ecology Directorate and the Tortugranja Directorate facilities in technical terms, who, it says, have shown openness.
“It seems that we are on the right track and apparently, Inapesca is having a certain openness,” she added.
The Tortugranja is a watershed in the protection of the sea turtle, not only in Quintana Roo, but also in Mexico. It is one of the first refuges installed, being around since the 70s. The site is also an emblematic space for environmental education and conservation for the community.
The site was shut in September after the agreement between Grupo Tortuguero del Caribe and Instituto Nacional de Pesca y Acuacultura ran its course. The buildings were emptied and the property, handed back over to Inapesca.
