SHARE LITIBU THE BEACH

Please participate in the conservation and protection of endangered marine sea turtles found in all oceans and beaches of Mexico. In Nayarit State, sea turtle nesting season is underway June through December. Females come ashore, primarily at night to excavate a nest, lay their eggs and bury them before returning to sea. Male turtles remain at sea. All six species of sea turtles, which nest in Mexico, are endangered worldwide. The reproduction of baby sea turtles is critical to their survival. Your support during the turtle reproductive season is very important.

WHAT DO I DO IF I SEE A SEA TURTLE ON THE BEACH?

Turn off all lights (flashlights, lighters, and spotlights) that could disturb the sea turtle as she arrives on the beach or is leaving the beach after she lays her eggs. Reduce ambient noise, distinguish cigarettes, and minimize activity in the vicinity of the turtle. Control dogs and children.

If you see a turtle on the beach, do not touch her, stay at least 15 feet away, and let her finish laying her eggs undisturbed before she returns to sea.

Sea turtles are frightened of light flash from cameras, do not take photographs or shine flashlights into their eyes.

During sea turtle nesting season, minimize bonfires on the beach.

If you walk on the beach at night with a flashlight, place a red filter over the light to reduce the brightness. Turn off outdoor lights or face lights downward or use amber light bulbs to reduce glare.

If you find sea turtle hatchlings on the beach, do not keep in captivity or put directly into the ocean. They need to be placed on the sand above the high tide line facing the waves so they can scuttle into the ocean across the sand into the oncoming surf. This journey is critical as they imprint on their natal beach and will return to lay their own eggs as adults. Ensure that all baby turtles enter the ocean in this manner.

Do not relocate or move any nest contents. Only biologists permitted by SEMARNAT/CONANP to manage sea turtle programs are authorized to work with turtles during the nesting season.

YOU CAN HELP!

Do not acquire or consume eggs or any products derived from the sea turtles.

Keep the beaches clean. Do not throw garbage into ocean, especially plastic bags because sea turtles confuse them for food. Motorized ATV and vehicle use is prohibited on nesting beaches year around.

Denounce harmful acts against sea turtles to the Authorities to PROFEPA. To be in possession of sea turtles or sea turtle products, including eggs is a federal crime which can result in incarceration from six months up to six years and economic fines from 1,000 to 50,000 pesos.

For more information on the Mexican governmental branches authorizing sea turtle protection, conservation, and enforcement programs, see:

National Commission on Natural Protected Areas (CONANP) www.conanp.gob.mx.prioridades_tortugas.html.
Secretary of the Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) - www.semarnat.gob.mx
Federal Office of Environmental Protection (PROFEPA) www.profepa.gob.mx./PROFEPA/DenunciasyQuejas/

Information provided by the United Hands for Litibu Ecology Group A.C.