Having evolved some 130 million years ago and outlived even the dinosaurs, sea turtles today face threats so huge that, without worldwide conservation efforts, their survival into the next century would be almost impossible.

The greatest threats to sea turtle populations come in the form of human population pressures, which include:
•Habitat destruction (both of nesting and feeding sites)
•Pollution
•Accidental drowning in fishing gear
•Unnatural lighting on nesting beaches (causing disorientation of hatchlings en route to the sea)
•Unsustainable harvesting of eggs and turtles (for use as food source, medicinal qualities and ornamental purposes)

Sea turtles are also faced with natural predators throughout their long life histories. Animals such as raccoons, coatis and foxes seek out and dig up nests from the beach.

Those lucky enough to hatch are then faced with the threat of a hungry bird or crab on their journey to the sea; and once in the sea, sharks and other fish are just waiting for an easy feed. Research suggests that on average, only 1 out of every 1000 to 10,000 hatchlings (0.01 to 0.1%) reach adulthood to nest and reproduce.

Seven of the world’s eight species of sea turtles are known to nest on Mexican beaches, and extensive conservation networks are in place in order to protect nesting sites. The coast of Jalisco (including the Costa Alegre) is one of these important nesting sites, and several groups are involved in their protection.

Examples of these groups include:
•University of Guadalajara
•Centro Universitario de la Costa Sur (University of Guadalajara)
• Campamento las Guásimas
• ECOBANA
• SEMARNAT
• Experience Mex-ECO Tours.

The work involves the patrolling of nesting beaches and collecting all the nests encountered. They are then relocated in a protected area close to the camp. Patrolling of the beaches makes it far more difficult for poachers to come into contact with turtles and the relocation of nests decreases the chances of predation from other animals. Volunteers and staff at the camps all take part in the process, as well as monitoring the hatchling rates and releasing the hatchlings into the sea.

All of the work that takes place on such sea turtle conservation projects is monitored by SEMARNAT (Secretaria del medio ambiente y recursos naturals) – Government section for wildlife and natural resources.