A leatherback released by a collaboration of fishermen, scientists, and government officials in Sinaloa, México

We love to be able to share good news about conservation activities with positive results for leatherbacks and the people who care about them in the Eastern Pacific.

Laúd OPO member, Dr Alan Zavala Norzagaray, shared such positive news recently. At the end of March of this year, a leatherback turtle got entangled in fishing nets en Sinaloa, México. However, according to a report from the outlet “Espejo” the turtle “was rescued by a group of fishermen from Dautillos, off the coast of Navolato, after which it was transported, in coordination with personnel from the Environmental Protection Authority (PROFEPA) and investigators from the Interdisciplinary Center for Research for Integrated Regional Development of the National Polytechnical Institute (CIIDIR-IPN) en the city of Guasave, led by Dr. Alán Zavala Norzagaray, to a rehabilitation center under their care.”

• Ariadne the leatherback begins to swim back into the ocean.

• After Dr Zavala examined the turtle, a satellite transmitter was attached to her and she was given the name “Ariadne.” The transmitter will allow scientists to track Ariadne’s movements after she was released back to the ocean.

  
  Sadly, another leatherback turtle was found dead on a beach in Sinaloa a few weeks after Ariadne’s safe release. The causes of the turtle’s death were unknown. These news – the good as well as the bad – highlight that collaborative conservation efforts in areas important for leatherbacks are vital for the recovery of this magnificent species. We congratulate Dr. Zavala and the entire team who participated in this effort. We will be following Ariadne’s movements with great interest and hope!