Date: June 11, 2024.
Author: Agnese Mancini.
Postulated by: Grupo Tortuguero de las Californias.

In the community of Barra de Tecoanapa, in the municipality of Marquelia, State of Guerrero, Mexico, during the sea turtle arrival season, it happened that 100% of the nests were looted and the turtles were also sacrificed for their meat. A resident, Brígido Angelito Marín, through survey implementation and direct conversations with the fishermen of the community helped with residents understanding of the problem that was being generated and in a broad way also collaborated to obtain wider picture of the situation of the leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) in the area. 

It was clear that the biggest problem was on the beach, and in searching for solutions to amend the situation, Brígido decided to create the Group Tortuguero Barra de Tecoanapa, to work towards the protection of nests and rescue turtles at risk. The group Tortuguero Barra de Tecoanapa, began its activities in Barra de Tecoanapa, Mexico in 2021, identifying actions to mitigate the incidental capture of the leatherback turtle in this fishing community in the south of the state of Guerrero, Mexico. The group consists of community members, including 11 captains who collaborate by monitoring leatherback turtles in the water.

Thanks to the determination of Brígido, Mrs. Rica and other members, the group obtained permission from the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) to install an incubation pen on the beach. The members also received training with the support of the National Commission of Protected Natural Areas, Tierra Colorada and other nearby groups that collaborated in the learning processes. The work was quite a challenge, with big obstacles and frustrations, but rich in satisfaction. For example, after Hurricane Otis (2023), the corral was quite damaged, many nests were lost, however, the group has continued working without giving up and to this day they have managed to protect 24 nests and release 710 turtle hatchlings, the group has just completed his first year working for leatherback turtle conservation.

Among the actions that have been developed, a highlight is that they have come to intervene between egg collectors and the turtles, managing to increase the rate of protected nests. In one particular case, they managed to rescue a leatherback turtle that was being “stolen” from its nesting beach, in addition to nesting monitoring activities, the group has dedicated itself to collecting disused nets and discarded plastics at certain collection points, creating a space dedicated to the collection of ghost fishing gear, containers and bottles of drinks, food, and other discarded products, thus collaborating in keeping the nesting area clean.

When they receive visits and training or when there are liberation activities, they make sure to invite community members, primary education, secondary education and tele-high school students and teachers to be part of the moment and to join the conservation activities; in addition, Brígido is currently working with students from the Technological University of Barra de Tecoanapa to develop projects on turtle bycatch and ecotourism with turtles, birds and mangroves.

For these reasons, the Barra de Tecoanapa turtle group is considered a champion in the conservation of sea turtles and especially the leatherback turtle.