Panama opens a nursery to protect sea turtle nests at Playa Veracruz

I was glad to read that Panama keeps adding steps to protect sea turtles. At Playa Veracruz in Panamá Oeste province, a nursery has opened where nests exposed to threats, such as predators or conditions that could hinder their development, can be moved so they can be monitored through the whole incubation period.

The space was created by the Fundación Mi Voz para Tus Ojos and Tierra Náutica, with support from the Ministry of Environment and the Servicio Nacional Aeronaval. According to the reports, the project grew out of several years of work by the City's Sea Turtle Environmental Program, which combines scientific research, environmental education, training, patrols, nest rescue and relocation, and community awareness activities.

At the same time, the Ministry of Environment released 127 olive ridley hatchlings (Lepidochelys olivacea) at the Playa La Barqueta Agrícola wildlife refuge. During the nesting season, park rangers watch the nesting areas, identify nests and follow them until they hatch. Releases happen in the early hours of the day so the hatchlings reach the sea naturally and with less exposure to risk.

Deputy director of Coasts and Seas Marino Ábrego reminded everyone that protecting sea turtles is not the job of one person or institution. I share that view, and also the authorities' request to respect nesting areas and not handle eggs or hatchlings. It is a good example of how volunteers, communities and institutions can work together for reptiles.

Source: Infobae