Many of us ask ourselves that question, but before getting to the right answer we have to consider the best criteria to make this choice. Artificial wetlands surely look more attractive and practical than a big water treatment plant. The initial costs of a wetland are many times smaller than the costs of a water treatment plant. Why are wetlands still not considered as the primary option for water treatment?

Water output quality will help us clear things up. With the proper maintenance, a wetland can satisfy water treatment needs in almost all cases. But what if the wetland is not properly maintained?

There are many reasons for a wetland to be in bad condition. The plants could be very old, they might not be the proper plants for the wetland, plagues can damage their growth, or owners of wetlands may stop taking care of them. All of these facts are not small issues; to prevent damages to the environment, wetlands should be in the best condition possible.

Should we promote the use of wetlands? Yes, in local areas where no municipal sewage system is in place. However, they must be maintained regularly in order to function properly. The most important thing is that each property owner uses the wastewater treatment best suited for the property and site, as long as it treats nutrients as well as pathogens and reduces the amount of nitrates and phosphates reaching the aquifer and then the coral reef.

July 26 -- Mangrove Action Day

The mangroves are wetland forests growing between the sea and the land, helping to absorb sediments that may cloud the water and cause coral reefs to die. They have also been shown to absorb pollution such as heavy metals, thus keeping them out of the marine ecosystem. According to the National Forest data, Mexico has about 721,554 hectares of mangroves, which correspond to 2.1% of Mexico’s territory.

Mangroves help reduce the impact of storms and the forces of erosion, as well as help balance carbon emissions.
They are habitat for juvenile fishes and crustaceans such as lobsters, and are an important feeding area for wildlife.

Not taking action for their protection can cause severe repercussions in our lives. Avoiding deforestation and taking small actions locally to slow global warming and sea level rising can make a difference.

Plant a tree today!

Please report illegal mangrove deforestation and filling in of mangroves.

What should I do if I see turtles at night?
If you are staying in Akumal and, for some reason, you need to walk on our beautiful beaches, please use red or yellow light with your flashlights. It will be much better, however, if you decide to enjoy our wonderful moonlit nights, and are able to walk using the benefit of the glow of this natural light.

If you find a turtle, never point your light towards her nor take pictures with a flash. The light frightens the turtles. Try not to make noise; turtles are very sensitive. Talking in a low tone is kind, and for them makes the difference!

If you see a turtle making a nest or laying their eggs, keep your distance, wait and mark the area. If you see hatchlings on the beach, you will notice that they will follow water reflection, so probably if there are lights around they may be disoriented and start walking to the hotels or condominiums. Ask the people around to turn off the lights, and make sure they go into the ocean. Please just help them find their own way into the sea because contact with the sand is their compass to find their way home again in the future. Do not release them directly into the water. Mark the area from where they came out. In both cases, notify Centro Ecológico Akumal of your observations.

What should I do if I find staff or volunteers from CEA on the beach?
If you find staff or volunteers from Centro Ecológico Akumal patrolling the beaches, we ask you to follow their instructions. Staff and volunteers have federal permission and training to interact with these animals. If they ask you not to approach, please understand that it is not because you can hurt the turtles, it is because turtles can feel harassed by having too many people around. Just imagine... you, them and us.
CEA staff and volunteers have to touch the turtles to identify sickness or damage to their shells, to look for tags, and to get general information for the correct monitoring of the beaches and scientific research. Sometimes they will be obligated to stop, carry or turn them. These actions will be taken only when the staff needs to be sure that the turtles are ok, or when they can be at risk. Staff and volunteers will never do something that can hurt our lovely turtles.

Where can I see sea turtles if I'm not staying in Akumal?
If you are not staying in Akumal, and you want to have this experience, please contact the NGO of your area; they will provide you information. Or you may contact us at info@ceakumal.org and we will help you.

Centro Ecológico Akumal (CEA) does not offer commercial tours or have agreements with local operators. Akumal beaches during nesting season are restricted by law. CEA is the only organization with consent to work with these animals in the area and to take 10 people with them each night to the Turtle Walks. Be careful of tour operators or public transportation businesses that offer you this service.

Night diving and snorkel tours are not recommended during nesting season.

Help us spread this information. For more information, please contact tortugas@ceakumal.org or comunicacion@ceakumal.org.