Environmental authorities in Mexico established a protection barrier at the Puerto Arista Beach Sanctuary, Chiapas, in response to plans to conduct activities with ATVs in this protected natural area. The goal was to ensure the safety of the sea turtle nests, endangered species that rely on these beaches for reproduction.
Profepa and Conanp reminded that the conservation of coastal ecosystems is a shared responsibility among society, tourism service providers, and authorities.
Importance of the sanctuary
During the 2025 nesting season, the following were recorded:
- 1,958 nests, 168,388 eggs, and 121,239 hatchlings according to Conanp.
- 3,257 nests and 283,254 eggs according to Semahn.
These data reflect that thousands of turtles use Puerto Arista each year for reproduction. Any activity involving vehicle traffic, excessive noise, or artificial lighting poses a real risk to the nests, eggs, and hatchlings.
Risks of motorized activities
Authorities warned that mass events with ATVs can cause:
- Destruction of nests.
- Compaction of the sand, which alters incubation.
- Disruption of the nesting and hatching process.
Therefore, it was reiterated that activities endangering sea turtles or their habitat will not be allowed. In case of non-compliance, sanctions will be applied according to the law.
Species present in Chiapas
Four main species nest on the Chiapas coast:
- Olive Ridley.
- Black.
- Leatherback.
- Hawksbill.
All play vital roles in marine ecosystems, such as controlling jellyfish and sponge populations, and maintaining the health of reefs and seagrass beds.
Key reasons for their conservation
- Ecological balance: they regulate marine species and maintain healthy ecosystems.
- Biodiversity in Chiapas: the region is a crucial sanctuary to prevent the extinction of species like the Olive Ridley and Leatherback.
- Flagship species and tourism: their protection promotes ecotourism and environmental awareness, with annual hatchling releases at camps like Puerto Arista and Boca del Cielo.
- Legal protection: since 1990, there has been a total ban in Mexico on hunting, egg consumption, and turtle trade.
Education and community participation
In addition to protective measures, authorities promote environmental education in coastal communities. Workshops, awareness campaigns, and hatchling release activities aim to involve local populations and tourists in turtle protection. Citizen participation is key to reducing threats such as nest poaching, plastic pollution, and climate change.
The protection of nests in Puerto Arista reflects the priority of safeguarding sea turtles, essential species for ocean health and Mexico’s natural heritage. Their conservation ensures they continue to fulfill their ecological role and that future generations can continue to admire these iconic animals.
