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 Pronatura Peninsula de Yucatán's Sea Turtle Conservation Program focuses on the conservation of marine turtles in the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico. There are seven species of marine turtles in the word, six of which are found in Mexican waters. Four sea turtle species—the hawksbill, loggerhead, leatherback and green turtle—can be found in the Yucatán Peninsula. Mexico is a popular region for conservation efforts, as it is both a favorable area for nesting and feeding for juvenile and adult turtles. As of May 28th, 1990, President Carlos Salina de Gortari signed an executive order declaring an end to Mexico's sea turtle industry. There is now a penalty of up to nine years in jail for anyone caught killing or capturing the turtle. Mexico also started a promotional campaign to help protect the turtle after 80 Olive Ridley sea turtles were found chopped to pieces on Escobilla beach in Oaxaca, Mexico. The poachers were believed to be after turtle eggs, thought to be an aphrodisiac. The poster reads, “My man doesn't need turtle eggs. Because he knows they don't make him more potent.” See the advertisement here.
Pronatura's main objectives are to ensure nesting success of female turtles by nightly patrols, assess the reproductive health of the nesting population and to contribute information for the management and conservation of sea turtles.
 Pronatura Yucatán's operations have focused on Celestun, El Cuyo and Isla Holbox beaches. In the summer of 2007, Casa Tortuga went on an investigative field trip to see these major nesting beaches and some of Pronatura's work. What they found was an area that was prone to several of the major threats to sea turtles. [[link to threats]] Casa Tortuga also found very dedicated scientists and volunteers who were performing nightly beach patrols to monitor nesting green and loggerhead turtles. When nests are found, the biologists register the date, hour, kilometer on the beach, geographic coordinates, GPS position on the beach and the species. Maps are also generated of nest density for the three nesting beaches in the Yucatán Peninsula.
 Casa Tortuga was able to consult with field biologists and offer to collaborate with them under the Boats for Biologists program. With Casa Tortuga's help, Pronatura Yúcatan has received a boat motor and a new ATV as well as other field equipment needed specifically for nesting beach patrols at three sites in Yucatán Mexico for the 2008 nesting season.
For more information on Pronatura's Sea Turtle Conservation Program, visit: http://english.pronatura-ppy.org.mx.
Make a donation to help Pronatura Peninsula de Yucatán through Casa Tortuga's Boats for Biologists Project!
images copyright © Pronatura
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