SEA TURTLE CONSERVATION
IN MEXICO
Working Together to Protect Our Oceans
Saving the endangered sea turtles in Mexico is a high priority and it is a big job. Nobody can do it alone, only by coming together and uniting in conservation efforts can we make a difference for the future of the sea turtles. The number one threat to sea turtles is the pollution caused by humans, the plastics that we discard so carelessly are the biggest killer of all the species in the sea.
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Mexico is home to six of the world’s seven sea turtle species and all of them are categorized as “endangered” by Mexican law. There are laws protecting the sea turtles from direct harvest and regulations for protecting the nesting areas and habitats on all the coasts of Mexico. The laws and regulations are necessary and welcome but they only function when we work together to make changes to how we treat our environment. You may live far from the beaches of Mexico but that doesn’t mean you can’t make a difference.
Sea turtles & ocean enemy number one: Plastic Waste
The plastic that contaminates our oceans is one of the deadliest foes of all marine life. The endangered sea turtles are facing mountains of plastic that can lead directly and indirectly to their death. Aside from getting trapped in floating plastic, sea turtles may ingest plastics and find themselves with a belly full of garbage, leading to their starvation. Beaches and coastlines full of plastic trash may prevent turtles from nesting or inhibit their return to the sea.
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It is difficult to calculate how many sea turtles are killed by plastic contaminants each year but research shows that at least 52% of all turtles have ingested plastic waste. We know that only 1 in 1,000 sea turtles will survive into adulthood. It is up to us to take action to ensure the future of these beautiful marine creatures.
Join Villa La Joya Sea Turtle Sanctuary in saying NO to plastics
The number one thing you can do to help protect the endangered sea turtles and their habitat is by eliminating plastic waste from your day-to-day life. The three R’s of “reduce, reuse and recycle” are more than just words, they are vital actions that everyone can take to make a huge difference in the future of our seas.
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The Villa La Joya family believes there is always a Plan B but there is NO Planet B. Please help us save this one!
Other ways you can help the sea turtles in Mexico
You too can help the endangered sea turtles in the Mexican Caribbean. Here are some ideas:
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When it comes to plastic, apply the three R’s of “reduce, reuse and recycle”.
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Use biodegradable lotions and sunscreen when visiting the area.
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If you are renting or living in a beachfront home, keep beaches clear of furniture, seaweed, and other items during the nesting season (from May to October).
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Promote proactive wedding venues like Villa La Joya.
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Contact us to learn how you can become a Sea Turtle Caretaker.
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Sponsor a Villa la Joya Sea Turtle Sanctuary Turtle or Nest.
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Share this info with others.