“Playa del Carmen Sea Turtle Nesting Season Soars with Discoveries!”

The sea turtle nesting season has kicked off in Quintana Roo, with four white turtle nests already discovered in Playa del Carmen within the first six days. The initial nest was spotted along the Playa del Carmen coast at the end of April, according to Lucelly Ramos Montejo, the Director of Environmental Management and Climate Change in Solidaridad.

Solidaridad authorities are actively protecting and monitoring over 24 kilometers of beachfront to ensure the safety of the sea turtles. Quintana Roo is privileged to receive four out of the seven existing turtle species. "We are fortunate to host four turtle species that visit Mexico, including the white, loggerhead, Gaut, and hawksbill turtles. All of these species are fully protected," said Ramos Montejo.

Efforts to protect the turtles are a coordinated effort between the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa) and the Navy Secretariat (Semar). Surveillance operations are in place to prevent the theft of turtle eggs. Ramos Montejo warns that the penalties for harming sea turtles can be severe, with punishments ranging from nine years in prison to fines starting at 20,000 pesos. The severity of the offense can lead to an increase in these penalties.

Ramos Montejo is urging beach concessionaires to adhere to standard 162 and follow guidelines set by responsible departments. This includes removing all beach furniture after 5:00 pm. "From 5:00 to 6:00 in the afternoon, all movable items should be removed from the beach area to prevent potential harm to the sea turtles," she advised.

Lastly, the public is encouraged to report any turtle sightings to the authorities by calling 911. This will allow the appropriate authorities to perform their protective duties without interference.