Mexico recorded one of the most successful seasons in marine turtle conservation in 2025, with the release of 142,947 hatchlings to the sea and the care of 1,678 nests on the beaches of the Riviera Maya, according to the Fundación Eco-Bahía México.
This achievement reflects the coordinated effort of technicians, students, and volunteers working to protect one of the most emblematic species of the Caribbean.
Preliminary results of the season
With the season still ongoing, there are still active nests on the beaches, including:
- 474 loggerhead turtle nests.
- 1,204 green/white turtle nests.
Of the nearly 143,000 hatchlings counted:
- 41,879 belong to the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta).
- 101,068 correspond to the green/white turtle (Chelonia mydas).
The manager of the Foundation, Luis Verdín, highlighted the “enormous responsibility we have as guardians of one of the most emblematic species of the Caribbean” and celebrated the commitment of the team made up of five field technicians and five Environmental Engineering students from the Universidad Autónoma de Chiapas (UNACH).
Mexico: refuge for six species of marine turtles
The country is home to six of the seven species of marine turtles in the world, all protected and endangered:
- Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas): distributed in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean, monitored in Veracruz, Campeche, and Quintana Roo.
- Kemp’s Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys kempii): endemic species of Tamaulipas.
- Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea): present on the Pacific coasts.
- Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea): inhabits Pacific Ocean waters.
- Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta): located in the Yucatán Peninsula.
- Hawksbill Turtle of the Pacific (Eretmochelys imbricata): distributed in Yucatán and Pacific coasts.
Threats faced by marine turtles
Despite the progress, marine turtles continue to face serious threats:
- Poaching and nest looting.
- Destruction of nesting and feeding habitats due to uncontrolled urbanization and tourism.
- Pollution, such as that recorded on Nautla beaches.
- Incidental fishing, which accidentally traps turtles in nets and hooks.
Conservation programs in Mexico
The country has implemented various protection and conservation programs to address these challenges:
- Mexican Turtle Center in Oaxaca, which works in the protection of species such as the olive ridley, black, and hawksbill turtles.
- Initiatives in the Yucatán Peninsula and on the Pacific coasts, focused on monitoring, hatchling release, and environmental education.
- Collaboration between foundations, universities, and local communities to strengthen conservation and promote sustainable tourism.
The 2025 season marks a milestone in marine turtle conservation in Mexico, with record numbers of hatchlings released and nests attended. These results reflect the collective commitment to protect endangered species, which are essential for the health of marine ecosystems.
The experience shows that, despite the threats, the combination of science, education, and community participation can generate a positive impact and ensure that Mexican beaches continue to be a refuge for these ancient species.
