The sea turtle nesting season is underway, and the eastern beaches of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, are a favored nesting site for these magnificent marine creatures. While most nests are typically reported along the remote northern beaches of the island, a recent discovery brought sea turtle activity much closer to town. On the night of July 23rd, residents north of downtown San Pedro spotted baby sea turtles emerging from a nest and alerted authorities.
The hatchlings, 139 in total, were rescued with the assistance of ACES Wildlife Rescue and placed under the care of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, which oversees the local sea turtle program. The following day, under the guidance of Hol Chan’s marine biologist, Julio Noble, the baby turtles were safely released into the sea just beyond the reef on the southern end of the island.
In the aftermath of the rescue, some online commenters expressed concerns over how the hatchlings were handled. In response, experts have shared scientific facts to clarify common misconceptions surrounding human intervention in such cases.
One primary concern was the lack of gloves worn by rescuers during handling. According to staff at ACES, gloves are not required if hands are clean, dry, and the handling is minimal and gentle. Gloves, especially synthetic or textured ones, can pose a greater risk by transferring harmful residues or causing abrasions. In emergencies, clean, bare hands are often the safer choice.
Commenters also questioned whether handling could interfere with a hatchling’s internal biological timing, potentially affecting their natural behaviors. Experts explained that hatchlings experience a “frenzy period” shortly after emerging, during which they swim continuously for 24–48 hours to escape predators and reach the open ocean. This behavior is not simply timed but is triggered by environmental cues, especially the initial crawl from the nest to the sea.
Concerns that the hatchlings would waste this energy while confined in containers were also addressed. Experts noted that if hatchlings are held in cool, dark, and calm conditions, they conserve energy. The frenzy is only triggered by stimuli such as light, heat, or motion.
Temporarily holding sea turtle hatchlings before release is a common practice in conservation programs worldwide, including those run by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and other Caribbean-wide initiatives. When immediate release is unsafe or unfeasible, such as in this case, where thick Sargassum seaweed blocked the path to open water, temporary holding is considered a science-based, responsible solution.
While the hatchlings were released at a different location, experts emphasize that sea turtles do not imprint on the exact nest site but rather on the beach’s magnetic signature during their initial crawl to the ocean. Allowing the hatchlings to crawl a short distance on the sand at the new location helps provide the necessary environmental cues for future navigation.
Some concerns referenced a “mucous coating” found on aquatic species such as fish and amphibians, implying that handling could compromise this protective layer. However, this coating is not present on reptiles like sea turtles, whose tough, keratinized skin and shells provide natural protection.
Additionally, fears about turtles contracting diseases from humans via skin contact are not supported by scientific evidence. Nonetheless, experts still recommend minimizing handling and practicing proper hygiene to avoid unnecessary stress or harm to the animals.
Hol Chan officials reiterated that their priority is the well-being and survival of the hatchlings. While the ideal scenario is for baby turtles to make their way to the sea, sometimes intervention is necessary. “They do not imprint on the nest itself,” a Hol Chan representative said, “but rather on the broader beach and surrounding magnetic cues. It is better to guide them safely than to let them perish disoriented and inland.”
As sea turtle nesting season continues, residents and visitors are reminded to report any sightings to local authorities and to avoid disturbing nests or hatchlings. With careful management and community cooperation, San Pedro continues to play a vital role in the protection and survival of these ancient marine species.
To report sea turtle sightings, nests, or hatchlings in distress, contact the Hol Chan Marine Reserve at 226-2247 or via WhatsApp at 614-6439.
Share
Read more
