Written by Jedediah Watkins
Read Time: 10 Minutes
Playa Bacocho and Its Importance in Turtle
Conservation
Being told I could actively help turtle conservation and get
one of those little characters closer down to the sea almost brought me to
tears. My mind raced back to David Attenborough documentaries, Finding Nemo and
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
For as long as I can remember turts have been a
beautiful thing in my mind, something I think is the same for most people. We
know that there aren’t enough in the world and we also know they are wonderful
and magical.
I set foot on Playa Bacocho, an idyllic beach located
in Puerto Escondido, Mexico. It wasn't just the yellow sands or the serene
waves that struck me, but the vital role this beach plays in turtle
conservation. Playa Bacocho has become one of the most significant nesting
grounds for the Olive Ridley turtle, a species teetering on the brink of
endangerment.
The beach serves as a sanctuary where
conservationists tirelessly work to protect and release hatchlings back into
the wild. This essential conservation work ensures that future generations can
witness these magnificent creatures embark on their journey to the sea.
I would recommend going straight to Playa Bacocho to book tickets as tour companies take a big bite off the top for taking you there (An extra $25 per ticket). If you go straight there you can get tickets for 200 pesos each. Get there around 5PM as that's when they start letting people in. Expect to be there for roughly 2 hours.
Understanding the Plight of Sea Turtles Worldwide
I've often sat mesmerised by the vast ocean (from Dorset to Athens),
but beneath its waves, a crisis unfolds: sea turtles are struggling. Human
threats loom large—poaching, habitat destruction, accidental catches, and
climate change are just the tip of the iceberg.
My heart sinks upon hearing of beaches, once nesting
havens, now devastated by development.
I'm informed that even light pollution disorients
hatchlings, luring them away from the sea.
I learn that rising temperatures skew the sex ratios of
hatchlings, threatening future generations.
Each fact is a sobering reminder of their perilous fight for
survival.
A Closer Look at the Species of Turtles Found on Playa
Bacocho
Strolling down the sun-kissed sands of Playa Bacocho, it
wasn't just the stunning vistas that captivated me. This beach is a sanctuary
for sea turtles, a haven where they bravely clamber ashore to secure their
lineage in the sands of time.
Among the species;
The Olive Ridley turtle is the most common visitor.
Their heartwarming nesting ritual is an annual spectacle here. They are amongst
some of the smallest sea turtles in the world, with an olive colouring and a
heart shaped shell.
Then there's the Leatherback, a gentle giant of the
sea, whose presence is rarer but equally awe-inspiring (this is the turtle I
got to release). They are black all over with light spots, with a soft rubber
outer shell. They are the largest of all sea turtles (but you wouldn’t know it
from releasing a hatchling).
They also witness the Hawksbill turtles, easily
identifiable by their beautiful shell patterns, making their cautious way to
lay eggs. Their shells are a splatter of orange, red, yellow and brown with serrated
edges. They have a pointed jaw, giving them a haws appearance along with their
name.
Each species plays a crucial role in the tapestry of marine
life that Playa Bacocho supports.
The Role of Local Communities in Protecting Turtle
Habitats
On my fact finding journey to the beach, I discovered that
the local communities are the unsung heroes in turtle conservation. Here's what
I observed:
Village Vigilance: Locals keep a watchful eye on the
beach, discouraging poaching and reporting suspicious activity. They operate
throughout the night when the beach is quietest and the turtles are more likely
to come out.
Nurturing Knowledge: They are informed about the
importance of turtles, passing this knowledge to their children through stories
and beach clean-ups. Also providing that same information to tourists to help
us better support their conservation efforts.
Eco-Tourism Involvement: By guiding eco-tours, they
generate income while showcasing their conservation efforts, thereby
intertwining their livelihood with the health of the turtle habitats.
Hatchling Headway: Community-led hatcheries pepper
the coastline, where eggs are safeguarded until the hatchlings scurry to the
sea.
Their commitment exemplifies as always that local stewardship can spearhead global conservation.
Volunteering for Turtle Conservation: What to Expect
As always with a beach on the Pacific, the humid pressure of
ocean air hit me, sprinkled in with a profound sense of purpose. Volunteers
gather in the evening, meeting at a central point to be informed of the turtles
and then to let them out to sea. We are taught;
To identify tracks and understand the egg laying
process
Watch out for birds or other predators of the turtles
on the beach
Handle the hatchlings through a coconut shell not to
confuse them before their maiden voyage
Grit is needed, but also patience. By sundown, I felt part
of something monumental—a relentless guard over vulnerable lives inching
towards the sea.
Seeing the hatchlings so small and ready for the world in
the hollowed out coconut shell. You’re not sure if letting them go is the best option.
The sea is so large and powerful, how could they ever find their life out
there.
From Nesting to Hatching: The Lifecycle of Sea Turtles
on Playa Bacocho
As I walked along the moonlit Playa Bacocho, I marveled at
the timeless ritual unfolding before me. Olive Ridley sea turtles,
heeding an ancient call, emerged from the Pacific to nest.
Incubation is a silent waiting game played over 45-60
days. Then, as if orchestrated by an unseen conductor, the sands stirred.
Hatchlings, instinctively driven, scuttled towards
the sea. Witnessing this cycle, from nesting to hatching, I felt part of
something grand — a dance of life persisting against the odds.
Challenges and Threats to Turtle Conservation in the
Region
It is estimated that the sea turtle population in some parts
of the world has decreased by 90% over the past 30 years. These conservation
efforts have been shown to increase the chance of a surviving turtle by up to
10%, showing the work being put in is yielding results. But we can definitely
do more.
In my time here, I've seen firsthand how human activities
pose significant risks. Coastal development for tourism is eating away at the
precious nesting grounds these creatures rely upon.
Fishing nets, often carelessly discarded, ensnare and
drown unsuspecting turtles—their struggle a silent testament to our neglect.
Pollution, particularly plastic waste, is ubiquitous.
Turtles mistake plastic bags for jellyfish, their natural prey, leading to
fatal blockages.
Climate change is another insidious villain. Rising
temperatures skew sex ratios in hatchlings, threatening future generations with
an imbalance.
Poaching for meat, shells, and eggs remains
persistent, driven by illicit demand and tradition despite legal protections.
Each threat interlinks, forming a daunting web
against survival.
Success Stories and Positive Outcomes from
Conservation Efforts
The evening after, as I was surfing, I watched hatchlings swimming
through the ocean, a sight only made possible by local conservation programs.
Through these initiatives, turtle populations which were once dwindling
are now thriving.
I’ve met individuals
dedicated to patrolling beaches, protecting nests from predators and
poachers. In recent years, their tireless work has led to the
statistical increase of successful hatchings.
Tourists now flock to Puerto Escondido not only for its
waves but to participate in conservation activities, collectively
ensuring these majestic creatures will grace our seas for generations to come.
How Visitors Can Support Conservation Initiatives on
Playa Bacocho
When I visited Playa Bacocho, the sublime beach was more
than just a place to soak in the sun—it was a conservation hub for marine
life. To support local efforts, I signed up to participate in a turtle
release program. By paying a small fee, I helped fund the conservation
project and experienced the profound joy of setting a hatchling on its path
to the ocean. Visitors can also:
Adopt a turtle: Sponsor a hatchling's journey to the
sea.
Beach clean-ups: Join locals in removing debris to
protect turtle habitats.
Educational tours: Learn from experts about turtle
conservation.
Responsible tourism: Use eco-friendly sunscreens, respect
wildlife and actively support community led tourism without boosting the larger
tourist conglomerates.
Donations: Contribute to local organizations
dedicated to preserving the area's natural beauty.
Every small action contributes to the grand tapestry of conservation.
Ethical Wildlife Tourism: Best Practices for Observing
Turtles
As I wade through the twilight shores, I'm keenly
aware of the sensitive habitat that hosts life. Turtles, majestic in their slow
grace, deserve our respect and undisturbed space to thrive. To honour this, I’ve
been taught to:
Keep a respectful distance from nesting sites and
hatchlings.
Use red light torches to prevent disorienting them,
as they follow moonlight to the sea.
Refrain from touching turtles or their eggs; our
presence is already an intrusion.
Follow the guidance of local conservationists who
monitor these creatures.
Avoid leaving trash behind, an act that can save
marine lives.
Join conservation programs that offer guided
experiences to contribute to their preservation.
Embracing these practices, I become part of a mindful
wave fostering conscious coexistence.
The Future of Turtle Conservation on Playa Bacocho:
Steps Forward
As I gaze upon the horizon of Playa Bacocho, I envision a
future where our conservation efforts expand. Further than just these beaches.
Across the globe natural habitats and their incredible inhabitants face massive
threats. To fight the endless flow of destruction the future steps involve:
Collaborating with local schools to educate the young
about the importance of turtles in our ecosystem.
Enhancing the beach patrol program to ensure poachers
find no haven here.
Implementing advanced tracking technologies to
monitor turtle movements and gather crucial data.
Lobbying for stricter environmental laws that protect
not just turtles, but all marine life along this stretch of coast.
Fostering eco-tourism that supports the local economy
while safeguarding our chelonian friends.
Together, we will write a hopeful chapter for these
venerable creatures and our community.
Turtle Takeaways
Although leaving the turtles knowing they are still at risk,
I am incredibly grateful for the experience to help some reach the sea safely.
The conservation efforts on Playa Bacocho and across the shores have made a
drastic difference in the turtles fight for survival. This was an experience
that will stick with me forever and shall return to me whenever I encounter these
little shelled characters again. The turtle I released will return in 10 years,
to the same beach so it can lay eggs of its own. Maybe I’ll be there waiting to
welcome it back after it’s decade long journey…
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