DEMATAC participated in this reunion with representatives of
institutions such as: SEMARNAT, PROFEPA, CONANP, SEMAR,
and representatives of turtle hatchery sites from various states in the
republic: Veracruz, Guerrero, Oaxaca, Campeche, Jalisco, Sonora,
Quintana Roo, among others.
With DEMATAC were two members of sites in Los Tuxtlas: Don
Eugenio from Arrecifes amd Don Gonzalo of El Salado.
The reunion was held at Hotel Novo Mar, in the Port of Veracruz
For more information (in Spanish) you may visit the following pages:
www.planetaazul.com.mx
www.elgolfo.info
www.semarnat.gob.mx
institutions such as: SEMARNAT, PROFEPA, CONANP, SEMAR,
and representatives of turtle hatchery sites from various states in the
republic: Veracruz, Guerrero, Oaxaca, Campeche, Jalisco, Sonora,
Quintana Roo, among others.
With DEMATAC were two members of sites in Los Tuxtlas: Don
Eugenio from Arrecifes amd Don Gonzalo of El Salado.
The reunion was held at Hotel Novo Mar, in the Port of Veracruz
For more information (in Spanish) you may visit the following pages:
www.planetaazul.com.mx
www.elgolfo.info
www.semarnat.gob.mx
| DEFENSORES DEL MEDIO AMBIENTE DE LOS TUXTLAS, A. C. ecological activism SeaTurtle Hatcheries |
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| Visits to Sea Turtle Hatcheries July 28 & 29, 2007 |
| Sea Turtle Hatchery Arrecifes |
After visiting Zapotitlan we moved on to the hatchery in Arrecifes where we spoke with various
members about our interest in working with them. We were lucky, the hatchery had 60 turtles ready
for release and about 7:00 that evening we helped the people from the hatchery, along with children
from the community, release them.
members about our interest in working with them. We were lucky, the hatchery had 60 turtles ready
for release and about 7:00 that evening we helped the people from the hatchery, along with children
from the community, release them.
During the night we made
several trips along the
beach to see if any turtles
had arrived to nest,
allowing us to collect the
eggs for incubation.
Unfortunately, this night
did not bring us luck, nor
in the morning, but we
were content having had
the opportunity to help
with the prior days release.
several trips along the
beach to see if any turtles
had arrived to nest,
allowing us to collect the
eggs for incubation.
Unfortunately, this night
did not bring us luck, nor
in the morning, but we
were content having had
the opportunity to help
with the prior days release.
kilometers ( 3.72 miles) of
shoreline, and 35 to 40
turtles per season. The
loggerhead turtles
(tortuga caguama) are the
most common to visit this
beach
shoreline, and 35 to 40
turtles per season. The
loggerhead turtles
(tortuga caguama) are the
most common to visit this
beach
municipality Tatahuicapan. In this hatchery, the majority of the members are women. There are twelve members, three
are men.The president is is Señora Eufemia Hernández Cruz.
These members watch over about 14 kilometers (8.68 miles) of beach. Approximately 40 turtles arrive seasonally, the
majority of which are the Tortuga Carey (Hawkbill Turtle).
are men.The president is is Señora Eufemia Hernández Cruz.
These members watch over about 14 kilometers (8.68 miles) of beach. Approximately 40 turtles arrive seasonally, the
majority of which are the Tortuga Carey (Hawkbill Turtle).
| Sea Turtle Hatchery Zapotitlan |
| Photos: Jessica Hitandegui Swanson |
| Photos: Jessica Hitandegui Swanson |
| Workshop for "Training in the Management and Conservation of the Sea Turtle" August 15, 16 & 17, 2007 |
| The Reserva de la Biosfera - Los Tuxtlas organized a workshop in the community Peña Hermosa, municipality of Tatahuicapan de Juárez, Veracruz. Of the eight participating communities, five have supported turtle hatcheries for several years and the other three are interested in participating in sea turtle conservation by opening hatcheries |
| in their communities. Asisiting in the workshops were the orgainzations: PROFEPA, CDI and DEMATAC, and it was presented by Biologist Alejandro Arenas Martínez, of Flora, Fauna y Cultura de México, A. C. (Xcaret) |
| Photos: Jessica Hitandegüi Swanson |
| Project Grant The association Desarrollo Para Un Futuro Sustentable (Development for a Sustainable Future) negotiated funds from Fomento Social Banamex (Social Fomentation Banamex) and DIF del Estado de Veracruz (Comprehensive Family Development of the State of Veracruz) to finance 12 projects managed by 7 associations in Los Tuxtlas. DEMATAC will administer two projects (Project PET & Project Tortugas, below), with a grant totaling $ 592,652.00 MXN (Mexican Pesos) General Objective of Project: Support community initiatives for the preservation of natural resources in the Reserva de la Biosfera - Los Tuxtlas Specific Objectives: 1) Reinforce the abilities and activities of community groups that operate sea turtle hatcheries in El Salado, Capulteol, Arrecifes y Zapotitlán 2) Equip the four hatcheries 3) Dissemination of the initiatives and experiences of these hatcheries 4) Involve student volunteers in the hatchery and project activities 5) Promote coverage regarding the protection of the sea turtles that arrive at the coastlines of the Reserva de la Biosfera - Los Tuxtlas (For detailed information in Spanish on the project, see link) |
| Mexico - World Capital for Sea Turtles Mexico is known as the world's capital for sea turtles because 7 of the 8 known species nest on our beaches. Along the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, Mexico hosts some of the most important nesting beaches for the following species: Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys Imbricata) - Kemps Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys Kempii) - Green Turtle (Chelonia Mydas) Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta Caretta) Along the coast of the Pacific Ocean, Mexico also has important nesting sites for: Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys Coriacea) - Olive Ridley (Ridley Lepidochelys) - Black Turtle (Chelonia Agassizi) Al species of sea turtles are in danger of extinction and are listed on CITES (Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) Appendix I, which prohibits international trade. The capture and trade of sea turtles and their products are forbidden. |
| Workshops and Beach Cleanup in El Salado September 27 & 28, 2007 |
| Workshop: What is trash? Adequate management of domestic solid waste, with some of the members of the turtle hatchery |
| Beach Cleanup Campaign |
| After the turtles have hatched we remove them from their nests to protect them from predators. In three to five days the baby turtles will be ready for release. |
| Volunteers Photo: Jessica Hitandegüi Swanson |
| Arturo, a child from El Salado, excited about participating in the cleanup of the turtles nest. |
| Gil & Arturo (residents of El Salado), Pedro & Ismari (Students from TSU-UV), collecting plastic bottles. |
| Gil & Alondra (residents of El Salado) cleaning the beach. |
| Before the cleanup |
| After the cleanup |
| Beach Cleanup at "El Salado" August 28 & 29, 2007 |
| Photos of beach cleanup: Brenda Bojórquez López |
| Descriptive text in Spanish por Brenda Bojórquez López |
| Workshop: What is Trash? Adequate Management of Domestic Solid Waste Workshop: Sea Turtles Protecting our Beaches October 20, 2007 |
In the community of Capulteol we held a workshop for
the members of the turtle hatcheries and for children
of the community.
the members of the turtle hatcheries and for children
of the community.
| Beach Cleanup Campaign at the Turtle Hatchery at Capulteolt November 5, 2007 |
| Delivery of Equipment to the Turtle Hatcheries of El Salado y Capulteolt November 10, 2007 |
| Delivery of Equipment to the Turtle Hatcheries of Arrecife and Zapotitlan November 18, 2007 |
Defensores del Medio Ambiente de Los Tuxtlas, A. C., purchased with funds from DIF of Veracruz, delivered
equipment for the hatcheries at Capulteolt and El Salado as established in the project: “Reactivación de Actividades
Comunitarias para la Preservación de los Recursos Naturales Afectadas por el Huracán Stan”.
Equipment consisted of the following articles:
In addition, up to this date and on four separate occasions, we have presented to each of the participants of the activities a
container of food and housegold supplies valued at $ 185.00 pesos per container, as an incentive for their work and
participation. We plan to deliver more of these supplies in the following months.
equipment for the hatcheries at Capulteolt and El Salado as established in the project: “Reactivación de Actividades
Comunitarias para la Preservación de los Recursos Naturales Afectadas por el Huracán Stan”.
Equipment consisted of the following articles:
- 5 Swiss Army Knives
- 6 sets foul weather ponchos
- 3 shovels
- 3 1 inch paint brushes
- 2 5 inch paint brushes
- 4 locks
- 2 chains 1 meter in length
- 2 ecological style flash lights
- 5 hand-free lanterns
- 1 set of bungee cords
- 8 elastic belts
- 8 fanny packs
- 1 set of two-way radios
- 1 measuring tape, 20 meters
- 1 battery charger
- 1 package of rechargeable batteries
- 20 Styrofoam coolers
- 3 marking pens
In addition, up to this date and on four separate occasions, we have presented to each of the participants of the activities a
container of food and housegold supplies valued at $ 185.00 pesos per container, as an incentive for their work and
participation. We plan to deliver more of these supplies in the following months.
| Turtle Hatchery "Capulteolt" |
| Turtle Hatchery "El Salado" |
Delivery of identical equipment as is listed
on November 10, 2007 (see below) to the
hatcheries at Arrecifes and Zapotitlan,
by Defensores del Medio Ambiente de
Los Tuxtlas, A. C., purchased with funds
from DIF of Veracruz and as established in
the project: “Reactivación de Actividades
Comunitarias para la Preservación de los
Recursos Naturales Afectadas por el
Huracán Stan”.
DEMATAC has now completed the first part
of the training and equipping of four turtle
hatcheries. At the beginning of 2008 we will
complete the second phase, followed by the
installation of signs, publicity, and field
exchange trips to other turtle hatcheries
throughout Mexico.
on November 10, 2007 (see below) to the
hatcheries at Arrecifes and Zapotitlan,
by Defensores del Medio Ambiente de
Los Tuxtlas, A. C., purchased with funds
from DIF of Veracruz and as established in
the project: “Reactivación de Actividades
Comunitarias para la Preservación de los
Recursos Naturales Afectadas por el
Huracán Stan”.
DEMATAC has now completed the first part
of the training and equipping of four turtle
hatcheries. At the beginning of 2008 we will
complete the second phase, followed by the
installation of signs, publicity, and field
exchange trips to other turtle hatcheries
throughout Mexico.
| Turtle Hatchery "Arrecifes" |
| Turtle Hatchery "Zapotitlan" |
The first beach cleanup was completed at
the turtle hatchery in Capulteolt.
Participation included members of the
hatchery and residents of the
community of Capulteolt who
demonstrated their enthusiasm by
completing the job optimistically and
rapidly.
They also requested that the next
cleanup campaign be held as soon as
possible, and we have scheduled it for
December 3, 2007.
the turtle hatchery in Capulteolt.
Participation included members of the
hatchery and residents of the
community of Capulteolt who
demonstrated their enthusiasm by
completing the job optimistically and
rapidly.
They also requested that the next
cleanup campaign be held as soon as
possible, and we have scheduled it for
December 3, 2007.
| Reunión Nacional sobre Conservación de Tortugas Marinas (National Reunion for the Conservation of Sea Turtles) November 25 - 28, 2007 |
| Initial Report and Financial Report for DIF, Veracruz December 27, 2007 In conformity with DEMATAC’s policy of transparency and openness, we have published our Primary Report and Financial Report on “Project Sea Turtle Hatcheries” (Reports are in Spanish): Initial Report Financial Report If you have any questions, please contact us at: (294) 943-0581 o lostuxtlas@dematac.org |
| Primary School in Arrecifes |
| Primary School at Zapotitlan |
| TEBAEV in Zapotitlan |
| Secondary School Zapotitlan |
| School Workshops & Talks: “The Importance of Sea Turtle Conservation and Protecting their Nesting Beaches” March 6 & 7, 2008 |
| The children from the primary schools in Arrecifes and Zapotitlán participated in the workshop: "Protecting Our Beaches and the Sea Turtle". Secondary students and those from TEBAEV in Zapotitlán participated in the discussion: “The Importance of Sea Turtle Conservation and Protecting their Nesting Beaches”. Six students from the university "Universidad Veracruzana Intercultural" (UVI) in Huazuntlán, Veracruz assisted DEMATAC in the presentation the workshops. |
| "Exchange Program for the Conservation of Sea Turtles, between Communities in Los Tuxtlas, Veracruz and Ventanilla, Oaxaca" April 5 & 6, 2008 |
| We were honored by the participation in this program of Biologists José Luis Miranda and Rosa Ciria Martínez Portugal from Campamento Tortuguero Lechugillas in Veracruz (CONANP), Señor Agustín Reyes, president of the "Red de Humedales de Oaxaca" (Wetlands Network of Oaxaca) and Señor Galo Escamilla Martínez, member of the sea turtle hatchery site inVentanilla, Oaxaca, plus the Biologist Christian Noe Absalón Torres, technical advisor of the Reserva de la Biosfera – Los Tuxtlas. Saturday the 5th, activities began at 8:00 a.m. with the departure from the Embarcadero de Sontecomapan by motor launch, captained by our good friend and bold mariner Don Eugenio Hernández (Cleto) . During the day we visited four turtle hatchery camps, beginning with Capulteolt, and following with Zapotitlan, Arrecifes and El Salado. The visits gave the biologists the opportunity to discuss with community members the manner in which they work to protect the eggs laid by sea turtles on the Gulf of Mexico beaches of Los Tuxtlas. They were then able to give recommendations Sunday for improving the management of these eggs. Sunday the members of the various camps, with the exception of Capulteolt, joined together in the "casa ejidal" (ejido headquarters) in Arrecifes to present the proposals of the biologists, discuss the experiences of the Wetlands Network of Oaxaca, and ultimately, to share recommendations and ideas. At the closing of the event, shirts commemorating the exchange program and Certificates of Participation were presented, after which we all enjoyed a fine meal prepared for us by the womenfolk of Arrecifes, who also are members of the sea turtle camps. During the visit the president of the Arrecifes camp found a turtle nearby, which we released after the meeting. We also had the good fortune to come across a Tortuga Blanca swimming in the Gulf near the beach between Arrecifes and El Salado. |
Zapotitlán. During this second and final delivery, each of the camps received the following:
• $3,900.00 Mexican Pesos (Approx: $ 380 USD) in gasoline vouchers
• 1 post hole digger
• 2 clip boards
• 2 rolls of flexible wire mesh
• 2 packs of pens
• 50 registration forms
• 1 technical manual of sea turtle protection techniques
• 1 battery charger
• 1 pack of rechargeable D batteries
• 1 50 liter plastic demijohn
• 1 12 volt charger
• 2 puzzles
The Arrecifes camp received 2 filters for one of the 4-wheel ATVs and DEMATAC paid the repairs for one of the ATVs from
Zapotitlán.
In addition, DEMATAC signed an agreement with each camp that a DEMATAC member will accompany sea turtle camp
participants once a month on nocturnal visits to the nesting sites. These monthly visits will also serve to verify that the
material donated to the camps is being put to the proper use, and used only by the participants in the activities for the
conservation of the sea turtles on the Gulf Coast of Los Tuxtlas. If the person in charge of the equipment does not
participate in the activities of the sea turtle camp in his/her corresponding community, the existing equipment in his/her
possession will be placed under the control of another active participant. The objective being to do all possible to insure that
the equipment is put to proper use.
• $3,900.00 Mexican Pesos (Approx: $ 380 USD) in gasoline vouchers
• 1 post hole digger
• 2 clip boards
• 2 rolls of flexible wire mesh
• 2 packs of pens
• 50 registration forms
• 1 technical manual of sea turtle protection techniques
• 1 battery charger
• 1 pack of rechargeable D batteries
• 1 50 liter plastic demijohn
• 1 12 volt charger
• 2 puzzles
The Arrecifes camp received 2 filters for one of the 4-wheel ATVs and DEMATAC paid the repairs for one of the ATVs from
Zapotitlán.
In addition, DEMATAC signed an agreement with each camp that a DEMATAC member will accompany sea turtle camp
participants once a month on nocturnal visits to the nesting sites. These monthly visits will also serve to verify that the
material donated to the camps is being put to the proper use, and used only by the participants in the activities for the
conservation of the sea turtles on the Gulf Coast of Los Tuxtlas. If the person in charge of the equipment does not
participate in the activities of the sea turtle camp in his/her corresponding community, the existing equipment in his/her
possession will be placed under the control of another active participant. The objective being to do all possible to insure that
the equipment is put to proper use.
| Final Delivery of Equipment to Sea Turtle Camps May 1 - 5, 2008 |
| Zapotitlán |
| Arrecifes |
| El Salado |
| Eufemia Hernández, Presidente del Campamento de Zapotitlán receiving gasoline vouchers |
| PHOTO ESSAY Collection and Relocation of Sea Turtle Eggs on the Gulf Coast of Los Tuxtlas June 27 - July 1, 2008 A female sea turtle crawls above the high tide line and, using her front flippers, digs out a "body pit." Then using her hind flippers, she digs an egg cavity. The depth of the cavity is determined by the length of the stretched hind flipper. Depending on the species, the female deposits 50 to 200 Ping Pong ball-shaped eggs into the nest. The eggs are soft-shelled, and are papery to leathery in texture. They do not break when they fall into the nest. The eggs are surrounded by thick, clear, protective mucus. Relocation to a fenced nursery is designed to prevent poaching and for protection from predators. Once a nest is located, the eggs are gently removed, along with sand from the original nest. They are then transported to the nursery where they are placed in a new nest hole, along with the original sand. |
| Construction of Sea Turtle Nursery at El Salado Material donated by La Reserva de la Biosfera - Los Tuxtlas and by DEMATAC |
| On the Beach at El Salado |
| Green Sea Turtle Shell dimensions: 95 x 90 cm (37.40 x 35.43 inches) |
| Collecting Green Sea Turtle Eggs on the Beach at Arrecifes (See egg size in relation to AAA battery in photo below) |
| Green Turtle Track |
| Supporting the New Campamento Tortuguero (sea turtle nursery) at Punta Puntilla, Veracruz June 24, 2008 |
| Placement of Collected Eggs in New Nests within the Nursery The first nest we located on June 29 contained 120 eggs. The second nest, found June 30, contained 85 eggs. Both were Green Turtle nests. The eggs were se sembraron en el corral que construyeron los integranes de el campamento tortuguero de El Salado, con material donado por la Dirección de La Reserva de La Biosfera - Los Tuxtlas, y DEMATAC. |
| With funds from DIF, Veracruz, DEMATAC delivered equipment to the new sea turtle nursery. The equipment consisted of: binoculars, thermometers, posters related to environmental themes, a radio set, hand and head lamps, rechargeable battery's, camel bag, an ecological hand lamp, plus food and |
| Capulteolt |
| Final Report and Final Financial Report for DIF, Veracruz September 21, 2008 In conformity with DEMATAC’s policy of transparency and openness, we have published our Final Report and Final Financial Report on “Project Sea Turtle Hatcheries” (Reports are in Spanish): Final Report Financial Report If you have any questions, please contact us at: (294) 943-0581 o lostuxtlas@dematac.org |
| Your tax deductible donation will help protect the northernmost tropical rain forest in the Americas, and contribute to environmental awareness worldwide. |