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 News from Around Banderas Bay | August 2007 
Saving Sea Turtles from a Silent Death - 3
 Ariel Dueñas - PVNN
| | A green sea turtle lays her eggs in front of the camp at dusk. | 
| | Katy Dykes releasing bay turtles in front of the Hotelito Desconocido. |
Now our duty is to remember that we are now in the height of sea turtle season and there will be lots of sea turtles out searching for a place to nest along the shores of Banderas Bay.
So, should you encounter a female making it's way on the beach to lay it's eggs, here's how you can help:
• Stay away from her, at least 10 feet (3.3 meters) and never place yourself in front of it, always stay behind.
• Be quiet and don't move around. Instead, sit quietly and enjoy this wonderful gift life has offered you. Don't forget to get out of the way when she tries to go back to the sea.
• Don't let people form a circle around her. That can be very stressful to the turtle. Laying her eggs is hard enough for her.
• If it happens to be nighttime, do not shine any light on it, this may cause her to stop digging and return to the sea, hence, prohibiting her from laying her eggs.
• Call the proper authorities in that area (preferably a local biologists or turtle camp) so that they may come recover the eggs before poachers do their dirty work.
| | Poacher at sea, catching sea turtles before they get to shore. |
• Should you encounter a hatching nest, DO NOT TOUCH the baby turtles. Any bacteria, repellent, or food debris can be detrimental to the hatchling's survival. Wash your hands carefully before attempting to help a turtle that is stuck in debris or having difficulty making it to the ocean. Remember to let it mark it's location, do not put them directly in the water unless it's really necessary.
• Some organizations collect funds that are distributed to local camps. Don't be afraid to give, your children's future will only be the better for it.
They say that our future lies in the hands of our children. That is very true. On your next vacation, bring your children to a turtle camp, teach them or let a knowledgeable person tell them about these marvelous creatures of the ocean.
Participate in a baby turtle release program and get the experience of a lifetime. There are few things in life that are as touching as holding a baby turtle in your hand, giving it a name, a kiss, wishing it luck on it's tough journey ahead and watching it make its way to its home; the sea!
Sea turtle rescue phone lines:
Policia Ecologica - 293-2192
Wild Travellers - 044-322-127-8878
Ariel Duenas is the Wild Life Coordinator for WILD TRAVELLERS and Global Volunteer Projects, and an active volunteer at several sea turtle camps around the Bay of Banderas. For more information, send an email to ariel@globalvolunteerprojects.org. |
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