Turtle Season Roundup From Grupo Ecológico de la Costa Verde Frank Smith and Jessica Schmidt - Grupo Ecológico de la Costa Verde
March 4, 2024

Except for a few late nests, around 30 to 60, which will incubate naturally, as they have for millions of years, our 2023 nesting season has come to an end; it’s time to rest and time to make sure that all our vehicles, the nursery, and our materials are stored away safely until we begin our next 2024 season around early May. Until then, our time will be spent attending to all the paperwork necessary to keep the program operating throughout the year.

The total recorded nests came to 1,118:

• 401 relocated on the beach into better locations
• 680 nests incubated in the box nursery
• 37 nests taken by poachers
• 81,037 hatchlings released to the sea
• 1,694,185 hatchlings have been released since the beginning of 1992

Due to our success, about 270 young females will nest for the first time over the next 12 years, and more will continue to join them. And over the past 32 years over 229 individual volunteers of all ages have joined in our effort to protect the marine turtle.

As mentioned, the Leatherback nesting season begins around mid-November and ends in mid-April. To date, we have three Leatherback nests on Playa Questo and one Eastern Pacific turtle nest; they are all under the protective eyes of our volunteers.

If you or someone you know are interested in volunteering or helping in some way this next summer, ask them to fill out our Volunteer application page. Also, if you can spread the word about our volunteering opportunity, give it a try. We are looking for some former volunteers to train our incoming new volunteers as they join us.

A good way to financially help Grupo Ecológico is through our 501(c)3 tax-deductible donation site. To donate, you can contact Travler, a US charity organization that has supported Grupo Ecológico for several years.

We’re excited to announce a smooth transition in directorship from Frank Smith to Jessica Schmidt! Frank’s leadership has been invaluable, and we extend our deepest gratitude for his dedication. As Jessica steps into her new role, we’re confident in her ability to bring fresh perspectives and drive our team forward. Her wealth of experience and innovative thinking make her the perfect fit to lead us into this next chapter. We look forward to a successful future under her guidance.

Related: When and Where to See Baby Sea Turtles Hatch in Mexico (Mexico News Daily)

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