“Hurricane Damage Threatens Akumal’s Turtle Nests”

In Akumal, Quintana Roo, an assessment is currently underway to determine the extent of damage caused to turtle nests by Hurricane Beryl. The storm has made it challenging to accurately determine the number of affected nests due to loss of markers. Additionally, high tides and predation by raccoons have further complicated the situation.

Hurricane Beryl made landfall in Tulum on Friday morning, significantly impacting the nests of sea turtles in the area. According to the coordinator of the Akumal Ecological Center (CEA) turtle camp, 45 out of 200 recorded nests of white and loggerhead turtles were affected. The team surveyed a four-kilometer stretch covering key nesting points including Bahía Media Luna, Bahía Akumal, Playa Tortuga, and Akumal Sur. Each location presents unique challenges, with some areas unsuitable for nest relocation.

The coordinator also highlighted the role of coastal erosion in the counting process. In the coming days, the impact of high tides will become more apparent. However, there is hope that a significant percentage of eggs can be rescued as the nesting season continues. On average, around 700 nests are registered each year in Akumal.

Despite the damage, all necessary precautions were taken, particularly in the camps along the state's central coast, which were most affected by the storm. The vice president of the Caribbean Turtle Group, Gisela Maldonado Saldaña, noted that nests in Tulum were especially impacted as the hurricane passed directly over the area. However, those nests within the corral were successfully rescued.

In conclusion, while hurricane season always brings some level of impact, the damage to loggerhead and hawksbill species this year falls within acceptable parameters.