On the beaches of Guatemala’s Pacific coast, a new generation of olive ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) began their journey to the ocean, continuing the life cycle of this threatened species that plays a vital role in coastal ecosystems.
The release took place on October 19 at Tecojate Beach, in the municipality of Nueva Concepción, where dozens of hatchlings reached the sea after completing their incubation process. Each nesting season represents an opportunity to strengthen conservation efforts aimed at ensuring that these turtles return to the same shores where they were born.
The life cycle of the olive ridley begins when females nest and lay their eggs in the sand, where they remain for 45 to 65 days before hatching. The hatchlings that reach the ocean go through a long juvenile stage lasting several years. Once mature—between the ages of 9 and 15—they return to their natal beaches to reproduce, completing a remarkable biological cycle of migration and survival.
This activity is part of a collaborative effort led by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), the Municipality of Nueva Concepción, the National Council of Protected Areas (CONAP), Magdalena, Campo para Crecer, and partners of the Mangrove Roundtable, with the support of the local community. These joint actions combine nest protection, controlled hatchling releases, and environmental education as key tools for the conservation of marine habitats.
We invite the Guatemalan public to take part in marine and coastal conservation programs and to help reduce environmental impacts by managing household waste responsibly.
The balance of the sea begins on land.
Text and images by José Moreira (WCS Guatemala)