SOUTH PADRE ISLAND — Each year, more than 10,000 Pacific black sea turtles power through the choppy waves of the sea and waddle onto the sandy beaches of Colola and Maruata in Mexico to nest.
These delicate creatures are prone to experiencing numerous threats, such as poaching, consuming trash, getting caught in fishing gear, destruction of nesting habitats and being hit by boats or jet skis.
According to the Sea Turtle Inc. website, one in 1,000 sea turtles will make it into adulthood in the wild.
However, the nonprofit’s nesting conservation has helped improve those odds to one in 300.
Experience the trip of a lifetime and join Sea Turtle Inc. personnel in Colola, Michoacán, Mexico, this December as they take part in a Pacific black sea turtle conservation project.
“I think everybody at Sea Turtle Inc. is excited that we’re finally able to take our first group of tourists down,” said conservation and internship coordinator Mariana Devlin.
“We’ve been planning this for a few years, and we’ve been contributing to that project for quite a while. So, I’m excited to be able to have them experience some of the sea turtle conservation work that they’re doing down there.”
According to Devlin, this beach is considered one of the most important nesting grounds for Pacific black sea turtles.
Poaching and animal predation are the main reasons why conservation efforts in this area are crucial.
The conservation efforts in Mexico will be similar to Sea Turtle Inc.’s conservation efforts on the Island.
Volunteers will be able to experience hands-on conservation-related activities, such as helping with relocating eggs, incubation hatcheries, excavating nests and releasing baby sea turtles.
The project will be led by the Universidad Michoacána de San Nicolas de Hidalgo and the communities of Colola and Maruata.
So far, 15 to 20 people have expressed interest in volunteering.
If you are interested in participating, email Devlin at [email protected].
Sea Turtle Inc. personnel hope to be able to do this again next year and give people the opportunity to be able to experience it in the years to come.
About the Trip
What — Sea Turtle Inc.’s Pacific Black Turtle Conservation Adventure
Where — Colola, Michoacan, Mexico
When — Dec. 12-16, 2018
Pricing — $1,000 based on double occupancy, $1,300 based on single occupancy
Includes:
• Pick-up/drop-off between project station and Manzanillo, Colima.
• Four-night/five-day sea turtle conservation adventure
• All accommodations and meals at the station included (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
• Applicable participation fees to help conservation efforts in Colola.
Registration begins Oct. 1
• For more information and/or to reserve a spot, contact Conservation Coordinator Mariana Devlin at [email protected]
