2014 Turtle Season Update by Biol. C. Ricardo Peralta M.
Cozumel Turtle Season
Cozumel Turtle Trivia:
Did you know the global climate has a dramatic effect in turtle migration. Not only the big currents constitute a marine speedway for them to navigate but these currents are what carries the temperatures across the globe. Rain is especially important since it keep the beach cool for turtles at night and it’s also is necessary to nest building. Dry sand is difficult for turtle moms to use while moist and fresh sand is perfect for nest building. Damp sand also helps to keep the cluster of eggs in a safe and healthy environment.
Cozumel Turtle Season 2014:
So far we’ve marked and identified approximately 1,810 turtle nests.
Cozumel is fortunate to be a breeding area to two species of turtles, the loggerhead (careta careta) and the green turtle (chelonian mydas). Turtles in Cozumel are protected under both civil and penal codes, with the first decree of protection appearing in publication in “Diario Oficial de la Federación,” back in 1927. During the months of May through September these turtles come ashore to lay their eggs on Cozumel’s eastern beaches. Sea turtles generally lay between 150-200 eggs each time and can nest up to 6 times in a breeding season. The eggs take around 60 days to incubate before the baby turtles head toward the sea.
Cozumel Turtle T-Shirts will be available when the releasing season officially begins on August 15. They will be available both at our offices in the Ecology Department as well as the turtle trailer – located on the windward side of the island.
Cozumel’s turtle program trailer, located on the windward side of the island, is sponsored by the Municipal Department of Ecology. Their offices are located in the Centoe Park on Av. 65, just south of the event hall “Moby Dick.” Staff will be in the office from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm Weekdays. please contact Ricardo, at charlesrichard527@hotmail.com call the Ecology office at 872 5795.
For more great Cozumel Information
This story originally appeared in the weekly Cozumel 4 You NEWS – the island’s number one source of positive information about our island! Be sure and subscribe to the weekly NEWS to find out all the island events!
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