Date: June 15, 2024
Author: Nelly de Paz Campos & Red Laúd OPO Communication.
Postulated by: ACOREMA.

At 66 years old, Mr. Orlando Carrillo Mena has been collaborating in the Galapagos turtle conservation project (as the leatherback turtle is known in Tumbes, Peru) since 2006. Throughout this time, Mr. Orlando has worked providing valuable information about the areas close to the coastline that includes its community La Cruz, part of the neighboring community Puerto Pizarro and Zorritos, located in the Peruvian Tropical Pacific, places where leatherback turtles interact with fishing nets, coastal gillnets that are set in the Tumbes region. The information Mr. Carrillo provided has been so important that it has even been included in several scientific publications about the region, highlighting the importance of the richness of the biota of the coastal waters of this area.

Don Orlando mentions that during his work trips he has managed to release one to two leatherback turtles each year, but after 2012, the number of turtles trapped in the nets has decreased, managing to release the last one in 2020, however, now he also leads efforts with his fellow workers to record sightings as well as incidental catches, providing the necessary recommendations to ensure successful releases.

Mr. Carrillo participated as a speaker at the sea turtle symposium held in Peru in 2016.

During the event, in addition to sharing with various researchers, representatives of authorities and students from the country, he had the opportunity to share his experience and suggestions about fishing activity and interactions with sea turtles.

On the left photo is Mr. Carrillo participating in the Symposium. Photo courtesy of ACOREMA.

A great experience that Mr. Carrillo had the opportunity to live through his participation in an exchange of experience between fishermen from Peru and community members who collaborate to protect sea turtle nests, and especially those of leatherback turtles, on the extensive beaches of the Mexican Pacific.

This valuable exchange promoted by authorities and organizations from Mexico and Peru allowed both people who work on nesting beaches and fishermen to learn about conservation efforts aimed at female leatherback turtles and the protection of their nests.

Mr. Carrillo being present during a leatherback turtle nesting on the beaches of Mexico and on the right Mr. Carrillo learning how to plant a clutch.

Photos courtesy of: ACOREMA.

He is currently part of the population in one of the ports on the Peruvian coast with the largest number of collaborators where turtles are released. He carries out various environmental education activities, sharing with his port and fishing colleagues about the importance of conservation of sea turtles for the entire ecosystem.

He has always shown a broad spirit of commitment and constantly seeks to get involved in all aspects of sea turtle conservation in general. From his beginnings in fishing as a crew member (which included jumping into the sea to free a leatherback from the nets), to being a speaker at an important international sea turtle conservation event; an anecdote that reveals his bravery refers to the fact that during an assault on the high seas, the robbers wanted to steal his marker and metal marks and when trying to recover them, he was hit on the head by the attackers with his own marker.

Another story that deserves to be known is about the rescue of a leatherback turtle brought to La Cruz port for consumption purposes. Don Orlando arrived at the place where they had the turtle and after arguing intensely with the “owner” of the turtle, he managed to convince the person to accept it´s release! Without wasting any time, he quickly put the turtle on his boat, went out to sea and released it in the area where they are usually seen. This highlights the bravery of his behavior from entering the sea and rescuing them from the nets, to advocating with strangers for their release.

Don Orlando always comments on the luck and experience he has had of living with leatherback turtles, for the same reason, he advises his colleagues and the population on the importance of taking care of them so that they do not become extinct, highlighting their right to continue existing, as well It is shown that turtles have an ally in the ecosystem of the Peruvian sea. Don Orlando Carrillo is considered a key player in promoting conservation actions within his community. Based on the above, we are proud that he holds the category of Hero.