Puerto Vallarta (PVDN) – As the 2023-2024 Sea Turtle Nesting Season begins, Puerto Vallarta aims to build on its reputation as one of the most successful sea turtle protection regions in the country. Between July and December, the city braces for the start of the incubation and hatchling period, with hopes of achieving a hatching rate surpassing the last season’s impressive 85 percent.
The program has been a collaboration of government institutions, civil society, and private initiatives, all focused on the preservation and growth of the sea turtle population. Last season, the program saw an astounding recovery of 3,068 nests and the release of 279,548 hatchlings.
During the launch of the new season, Councilor Sara Mosqueda Torres stated that Puerto Vallarta is a privileged municipality, playing a pivotal role as a nesting area and aiding new generations of turtles integrate into the marine environment annually. She underscored the combined efforts of the municipal government, educational institutions, and socially responsible companies.
Councilor Torres emphasized that the city council would continue promoting Puerto Vallarta as a tourist destination with a strong commitment to its environment and the preservation of the sea turtle species. In a heartening gesture, children from the José Baumgarten Joya primary school were invited to participate in protecting and caring for the turtle nests found on the beaches.
Adriana Guzmán Jiménez, Director of Urban Development and Environment, remarked that the protection of the sea turtle is an act of empathy and gratitude to nature. “It’s not only our obligation as an authority, but also a pleasure and a responsible action, as this emblematic species forms a part of one of the most valuable ecosystems in our municipality and region,” she stated.
Ricardo Cerezo Ortiz, Deputy Director of the Environment, outlined the objectives of the Sea Turtle Protection and Conservation Program. Covering approximately 25 kilometers of coastline, the initiative focuses on locating and protecting the nests to ensure the successful hatching of the sea turtles. He expressed optimism about surpassing the previous season’s achievements, asserting that the Environment Department remains committed to caring for local resources and the municipality.
The program’s kick-off was marked by a symbolic nest planting at the El Holi beach nursery. Following the incubation period, the hatchlings will be released into their natural habitat, marking yet another successful season of sea turtle conservation in Puerto Vallarta.
Present at the launch were Councilor María Elena Curiel Preciado; Lieutenant Commander Gerardo González Gabriel, representing the 12th Naval Zone; Rigoberto Flores Parra, Director of Citizen Security; Hortensia Dueñas Salcedo, Director of Inspection and Regulations; Mario Ramírez, head of the Lifeguard Group of the Civil Protection and Fire Department, and Rohini Suta Velasco, representative of the civil organization Conservation of Marvelous Species of Bahía de Banderas AC (CEMBAB). Students from the José Baumgarten Joya elementary school, accompanied by their teachers Eder Méndez Nuño and Brianda Bayardo, also attended the event.
Puerto Vallarta (PVDN) – As the 2023-2024 Sea Turtle Nesting Season begins, Puerto Vallarta aims to build on its reputation as one of the . . .
