Vehicles en Playa Hermosa cause the death of newly hatched Olive Ridlet sea turtles

On Saturday, August 19, in Playa Hermosa de Uvita, Costa Ballena Lifeguards, who collaborate with Reserva Playa Tortuga in the protection of sea turtles, encountered a sad scene: newborn olive ridley turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) were found dead due to to the illegal use of motorcycles on the beach.

Sadly, this practice has become very common in the area, especially in Playa Hermosa and Playa Tortuga (Ojochal), for which complaints have been made and attempts have been made to inform residents, both national and foreign, placing signs in the vicinity of the beach.

It should be noted that only official vehicles can travel or access the beaches (ARTICLE 133.- Traffic Law. Prohibition of driving on the beaches), so we urge citizens to make their complaints to the local police or to 911, in case you witness this illegal practice that directly affects wildlife, and in this particular case, olive ridley turtles, an endangered species.

Despite these illegal practices, Reserva Playa Tortuga, together with local volunteers and Lifeguards, remains alert day and night, monitoring the beaches of Uvita and Ojochal, during the nesting season, in order to relocate the nests found in a safe environment, protected from poachers, and then release the little turtles in the same place where they were found. This, in order to protect these species, which year after year come to nest on our shores.