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Cozumel's Annual Marine Turtle Nesting/Hatching/Monitoring Season |
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If you have visited Cozumel to snorkel or scuba dive, you have no doubt encountered a sea turtle and had the pleasurable fun of observing or swimming alongside these docile and beautiful creatures. Here in Cozumel, there are two (2) types of sea turtles that nest each year between the months of May and September: loggerhead and green sea turtles. It is especially exciting to come across a fully-grown sea turtle as their shells can reach a length of 3-4 feet and some can reach upwards of 450 pounds. Anytime you come across these air-breathing reptiles while snorkeling or diving it is always a thrill.
Today, sea turtle encounters are not as frequent and are definitely more rare than they were in the past as both species of the loggerhead and green sea turtles are currently listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.
While this is very sad and alarming, there is hope and Cozumel has been at the forefront for many years in conservation and salvation efforts to help these incredibly beautiful creatures through the efforts of a couple programs here on the island. With the support of the many volunteers that assist in these critically needed efforts to ensure we and future generations will have the opportunity for years to come to swim alongside these fascinating animals.
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Copyright 2000 - 2024 Sherri Davis, All Rights Reserved. Contributors retain the copyright to their work. Please do not take art or written content without permission. Other graphics and reference materials are used and attributed as per the Fair Use Provision of The Copyright Act and individual terms of use.
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