Sea Turtles: Guardians of the Ocean and the Urgent Call for Their Conservation

Majestic, silent, and ancient, sea turtles are among the oldest and most vulnerable treasures of our oceans. They have roamed the seas for over 100 million years, surviving mass extinctions and climate shifts… but today, their greatest threat is us.

Talking about marine conservation means talking about them—their unique life cycle, the challenges they face, and the role we all—whether travelers, locals, or nature lovers—can play in protecting them.

An Extraordinary Life Journey

Sea turtles spend most of their lives in the open ocean, but they return to the very beaches where they were born to nest. This natural cycle, guided by the moon and genetic memory, is as mysterious as it is awe-inspiring.

Mexico’s coasts have the privilege of hosting 6 of the 7 sea turtle species that exist in the world:

• Green or White Turtle (Chelonia mydas)
  
  
• Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)
  
  
• Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta)
  
  
• Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea)
  
  
• Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea)
  
  
• Kemp’s Ridley (Lepidochelys kempii)
  
  

Mexico—especially the Yucatán Peninsula—is one of the countries with the highest nesting activity of sea turtles in the world.

Why Are They Endangered?

Despite their natural resilience, sea turtles now face a combination of threats caused by humans:

• Plastic pollution: Bags, straws, and abandoned fishing nets become deadly traps, mistaken for food or entangling turtles.

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• Coastal development: Beach urbanization and light pollution disturb nesting areas and disorient hatchlings.

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• Illegal hunting and trafficking: In some regions, their meat, shells, or eggs are still sold, despite being protected under NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010.
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• Climate change: Rising sand temperatures affect the ratio of male to female hatchlings, threatening long-term population balance.
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How Can You Help Conserve Them?

Sea turtle conservation doesn’t depend solely on scientists and biologists, but also on responsible visitors, coastal communities, and you—the one reading this.

Here are some actions that make a real difference:

• Don’t leave trash on the beach
  Every piece counts. Collect your waste and, if possible, pick up what you find; separate recyclable items like PET bottles and aluminum cans.
  
  
• Avoid artificial lights on beaches during nesting season
  Lighting near the coast disorients hatchlings. If visiting a beach between April and October, turn off your flashlight or use low-impact red light.
  
  
• Don’t bring pets to the beach during nesting season
  Dogs and cats can dig up nests and harm eggs or newborn hatchlings.
  
  
• Never touch or handle a turtle
  Observe, don’t interfere. If you see a turtle nesting, keep your distance and remain quiet.
  
  
• Get informed and support conservation projects
  Many organizations work to protect nests, monitor beaches, and release hatchlings. Participating or donating is a direct way to help.
  
  
• Use biodegradable sunscreen
  Chemicals in conventional sunscreens harm marine ecosystems. Choose eco-friendly alternatives.
  
  

A Symbol of Ecological Balance

Sea turtles are not only beautiful; they play essential roles in the ecosystem. They control jellyfish populations, keep seagrass beds healthy, and serve as food for other species at different life stages. Their extinction would drastically disrupt the health of the oceans.

In Summary:

• Sea turtles are among the planet’s oldest and most iconic animals.
  
  
• Today, they face threats mainly caused by human activity.
  
  
• Their conservation requires awareness, respect, and collective action.
  
  
• We can all contribute to their protection through simple yet powerful choices.

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