Cancun’s Record-Breaking Turtle Hatchling Release in 2024

In 2024, over 950,817 sea turtle hatchlings were released into the wild in Cancun. The hatchlings were from four different species: white, loggerhead, hawksbill, and leatherback. In addition to the hatchlings, more than 978,000 eggs were safeguarded in 54 enclosures along Cancun's 12-kilometer coastline. These efforts were announced by Benito Juarez's mayor, Ana Paty Peralta.

Peralta stated that the General Directorate of Ecology made significant efforts to protect sea turtles during the 2024 nesting season. Despite 2024 being considered a low cycle year for turtle nesting, all four species were still present in the area.

The successful protection and release of the hatchlings were made possible through the collaboration of the hotel sector, numerous volunteers of all ages, and the staff from the Benito Juarez Municipality. Fernando Haro Salinas, director of Ecology in the Benito Juarez municipality, emphasized that they hold the wildlife operating permit with the most hatchlings released in the state.

Salinas also noted that the Benito Juarez municipality is a leading example in turtle conservation due to their effective management and high release numbers. He revealed that the number of turtles arriving to lay their eggs varies from year to year, with some years seeing a significant increase and others a decrease. In 2024, despite being a low season, a substantial number of turtles still arrived to lay their eggs.

However, Salinas expressed concern over the decreasing number of turtles arriving in areas like Puerto Morelos, possibly due to hydrometeorological phenomena.

The turtle conservation season, which runs from May to November, concludes in December. During this period, the Benito Juarez municipality oversees the operation of 54 turtle camps, including four municipal camps and others operated by hotels with a wildlife permit. The municipal staff ensures the proper functioning of these camps by providing necessary training and coordinating the release schedule. Among the species, the white turtle was the most released in the municipality.