By José Antonio Pérez & Shandra Keesecker-Rivero
A second and third report of olive ridley turtles nesting in Puerto Peñasco this season were registered on Sept. 17th and Sept. 23rd respectively along the area of Sandy Beach, detailed ZOFEMAT (Federal Maritime & Land Zone) Director Luis César Garcia Gónzalez. In both cases, the area was cordoned off and security provided so the sea turtles could make their way safely back to sea.
The Sept. 17th nesting took place between Esmeralda and Sonoran Sun Resort, with 108 eggs rescued and removed for incubation, while on Sept. 23rd another 101 eggs were rescued from the area near Sonoran Sea Resort, bringing the total number of turtle eggs in incubation so far this season to 300.
Unfortunately, the ZOFEMAT authority explained, another sea turtle that had been spotted near Princesa de Peñasco resort on Sept. 23rd returned to the water without laying her eggs due to the presence of an overwhelming crowd.
García Gonzáelz confirmed with more sea turtles expected to show up in coming days, protocols will remain in place to help preserve nests and facilitate the endangered species’ reproduction during the approximately 46-day gestation period. He highlighted in the past three years sea turtles have successfully made nests without reports of pillage by individuals looking to take the turtle eggs.
If you were to spot a turtle nesting, be sure to report this to 911 so they may alert the ZOFEMAT authorities.
