Plight of Quintana Roo Sea Turtles: Climate & Pollution Challenges

Sea turtles in Quintana Roo are facing a challenging nesting season due to rising temperatures and excessive beach pollution. Storms in the northern part of the state have also damaged many turtle nests, according to Gisela Maldonado Saldaña, President of the Caribbean Turtle Group.

This year's nesting season is proving to be even more difficult. Maldonado Saldaña notes that obtaining necessary permits from the General Directorate of Wildlife has become a slower process, delaying vital conservation efforts. This is further complicated by weather events, beachfront real estate development, and administrative changes in local municipalities that impede the enforcement of protection agreements. The presence of boats in nesting areas poses another significant threat, as they risk injuring the turtles through potential collisions and propeller damage. Additionally, illegal tourism activities have been discovered in the southern breeding grounds of Isla Mujeres, posing yet another risk to these endangered species.

In Akumal, the number of nests has significantly decreased compared to last year. Héctor Lizárraga Cubedo, director of the Akumal Ecological Centre (CEA), reports that only 741 nests have been recorded this year, with 524 belonging to the loggerhead species and 217 to the green turtle. This is a stark contrast to the 1,505 nests counted in 2023, which included 1,259 green turtles and 246 loggerheads. Predation has also been a significant issue this season, with 35 predated nests reported, including 25 green turtles and 10 loggerheads. Additionally, 75 nests were disturbed by predators, with the green turtle being the most affected. Despite these challenges, Lizárraga Cubedo notes that over 85% of the existing nests have hatched, and the hatching process is expected to conclude shortly.

The plight of sea turtles in Quintana Roo highlights the urgent need for more effective conservation measures. Cooperation between authorities and civil organizations is vital to protect nesting beaches and ensure the survival of future turtle generations within Quintana Roo's coastal ecosystem.