A total of 58 sea turtle hatchlings of the endangered lepidochelys olivacea species, also known as the olive ridley sea turtle , were released into the ocean in Oaxaca by members of the Ministry of the Navy (SEMAR) and students from the CENDIN Child Development Center .
According to SEMAR, members of the Oceanographic Research Station (EIOS) and the Naval Search and Rescue Station (ENSAR) , located in Salina Cruz , participated in the event.
“Aiming to raise awareness among children on the importance of marine species and the preservation of the state’s biodiversity, a group of preschool students from the CENDIN released 58 hatchlings of olive ridley sea turtles at the Playa Abierta beach ,” stated the organization through a press release.
During the release of the hatchlings, the marine experts explained to the children that it was important to release the species in specific places during the afternoon in order to avoid predators and for them to swim as far away from the shore as possible and into deep waters, where they have a higher chance of survival.
Furthermore, members of the 12th Navy Zone constantly monitor the beaches in their jurisdiction to collect eggs that are at risk.
“We collect the eggs to protect them and incubate them artificially at the station’s turtle nursery. After a 50-day period , they hatch and are later released into the ocean,” the release stated.
The SEMAR reiterated their commitment to the preservation of the environment and the protection of endangered species.
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