Tortugueros Las Playitas mission is to protect and conserve
the marine environment of Baja California Sur with a special emphasis on Endangered Sea Turtle population recovery, habitat
protection, and environmental education in Todos Santos, Las Playitas and Agua Blanca.
Critically Endangered Leatherback Incubation Technology
.
Agua Blanca has been identified as an important nesting site
of the Pacific Leatherback by National Sea Turtle Coordinator, Laura Sarti. Plus, according to the IUCN (Internacional Union
for Conservation of Nature), the recovery of the depleted Pacific Leatherback population requires "enhancing
hatching success," and "full protection of all nesting beaches," as well as
changes in commercial fisheries.
Our special Incubation Greenhouse increases Leatherback hatching
success by elevating the sand temperature to optimal levels for incubation during cold winter months. Without
the greenhouse, Leatherback nests in this region fail to incubate, or produce very few hatchlings. Leatherback nests
in this region only hatch naturally during record hot years or if laid in the first month of the nesting season.
Olive Ridley, and Black nests are also relocated to the greenhouse during the cold winter months.
During summer months, Olive Ridley and Black nests are relocated
to an incubation corral where they are protected from coyotes, racoons, and predatory birds.
Our volunteers run nightly patrols relocating nests to protected incubation
areas, monitor the hatcheries, organize beach clean-ups, and educate school-aged children, fishermen and residents on
environmental conservation, sea turtle restoration, and water safety.
