Sea Turtle Conservation Network of the Californias

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W.J. Nichols
David Barron
Robert Snodgrass

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Todd Broeker

© site design
seaturtle.org

Sea Turtle Conservation Network of the Californias

Introduction to Baja California's Sea Turtles

Five species of sea turtle visit Baja California to feed, grow or nest. They come from as far away as Japan, southern Mexico and Hawaii. Protection of these animals while they are in Baja California waters is critical to the recovery and stability of Pacific sea turtle populations.

Sea turtle conservation in Baja California, Mexico presents many unique challenges. Among them is the vastness of the peninsula, long distances between communities, intense artisanal and commercial fishing activities, a growing tourism industry and a persistent demand for turtle products. Coordinated regional research and recovery efforts have been notable but few and communication between researchers, conservationists and fishermen, key to sea turtle recovery, has been lacking.

With this in mind, the Sea Turtle Conservation Network of the Californias (Grupo Tortuguero de las Californias) was formed on 23 January 1999 at the office of the non-profit Grupo Ecologista de Antares, A.C. (GEA) in Loreto, BCS. The goal of the network is to bring together individuals and organizations working for the recovery of Baja California's sea turtles to share knowledge, discuss results and issues, plan projects and conduct workshops on basic field research techniques. In order to be successful, recovery efforts must involve the numerous fishing communities along the length of the 1000 mile-long peninsula and support enforcement of Mexico's strong conservation laws.