Puerto Vallarta has launched the 2016 Sea Turtle Conservation and Protection Program under the guidance of Mayor Arturo Davalos Peña and the Environmental Protection Agency of Mexico.
The yearly program helps promote awareness of sea turtles in Puerto Vallarta and educate the population on the importance of preserving turtle nesting areas.
Nightly surveillance of beaches between Playa de Ora and Garza Blanca searching for nesting locations and protecting eggs. Eggs are collected and preserved until hatching and releasing through the program. Releasing will begin mid-August with eggs hatching after 45-days.
The protection program is headed by three lead patrols and dozens of volunteers. The public is invited to volunteer with the program and receive training for protection at Playa del Holi.
Throughout the season, the program also hosts workshops with local businesses, schools, and the public to raise awareness.
Three important tips to help preservation were announced:
1. Report nesting sites or disturbances to 322 160 3279
2. Keep 10 meters away from sea turtles, do not use flashlights or flash photography, can disturb the turtles and they will return to the water without nesting.
3. Do not step on nesting areas and do not disturb the turtles as they return to the sea after nesting.
4. Only certified, properly identified, members of the protection agency should remove eggs. Please report anyone taking eggs without proper identification.
