Additional Coverage:
- Mexico evacuates sea turtle eggs from beaches as Hurricane Beryl heads to the Yucatan peninsula (newsbreak.com)
CANCUN, Mexico — In an effort to avoid previous mishaps in storm readiness, the Mexican government has initiated evacuations of sea turtle eggs from coastal areas anticipating Hurricane Beryl. As the hurricane approaches, remaining offshore near Jamaica, it’s projected to reach areas south of Cancun between late Thursday and early Friday.
Mexico’s response comes after criticism for insufficient storm preparations during Hurricane Otis in Acapulco last October, prompting authorities to take more proactive steps now, including relocating sea turtle eggs that might otherwise be lost to storm surges. Workers have placed the eggs in coolers filled with sand to transport them to safer locations, and have also constructed sandbag barriers around turtle nests to shield them from high waves.
Biologist Graciela Tiburcio, who specializes in sea turtles, highlighted the potential drawbacks of such emergencies, noting it could lead to increased egg mortality. The natural processes generally allow the eggs to incubate in the beach’s sand, crucial for maintaining temperature and orientation. Displacing the eggs, while protective against the immediate storm threat, could hinder their hatching success.
The threatened species of Carey turtles are particularly vulnerable, as all sea turtle species in Mexico are protected, and removing their eggs is generally prohibited due to historical consumption practices.
Beyond wildlife concerns, human communities are also responding to the impending hurricane. In the coastal village of Punta Allen, south of Tulum, authorities are urging the 700 residents to evacuate due to the storm’s anticipated impact. Despite the risks, half of the community is hesitant to leave, fearing financial and property loss, and a lack of assured return transportation post-storm — a common concern among citizens skeptical about government disaster management and enforcement of safety regulations.
Hurricane Beryl’s threat to Cancun comes as the region is still recovering from the devastating impacts of Category 5 Hurricane Otis last year, which resulted in over 50 fatalities and extensive damage to infrastructure, including most of the area’s hotels.