MARINE TURTLE PROTECTION PROGRAM
In March 2001, The XI Marine Turtle Preservation Workshop was held in various location in Quintana Roo and CEA participated fully using the experiences of the past to provide great tactical help.

An important advance was the establishment of a roundtable in Quintana Roo of the National Program for Preservation, Conservation and Recuperation of the Marine Turtles in the State. The roundtable is divided into four sections; Conservation, Research, Education and Communication and Inspection and Vigilance. CEA is in charge of the Inspection and Vigilance.

As for the Loggerhead nesting season at Akumal, there were a total of 119 nests, of which 107 were protected. Of the unprotected nests, two were flooded, one nest was destroyed and nine were not analyzed. There were an average of 112 eggs per nest, there were 12,013 eggs and of those 10,493 hatchlings were released by the CEA Turtle Protection Program staff and volunteers. There were 52 attempts by female turtles that came up the beach, dug a hole in the sand, but for unknown reasons did not lay their eggs. There were 38 instances where the female came onshore and went back to the sea without digging.

The Green Turtle nesting season was quite low this season with only ten nests, seven of those were protected successfully. Two nests were flooded and one was not analyzed. There were 832 eggs with an average of 118 eggs per nest and 693 hatchlings were released. Seven attempts to nest were registered.

It is important to mention that this season was anticipated to be a low nesting season for the green turtle and it is expected that next season will be significantly higher.

By Rogelio Villavicencio, Biologist
Responsible for Marine Turtle Protection Program