Belize is a country well known for its coral reef. However, this might have other caused the country’s other notable features to be overlooked. Such is the case with the sea turtle; it might not be common knowledge that Belize is graced by the presence of one of the world’s most endangered marine species. There are three varieties of sea turtles (green, hawksbill, and loggerhead) that nest in the country and are regularly located between the coast and the barrier reef. In Belize, as well as around the world, sea turtles face many threats. In fact, two of the three species in the country are considered Endangered by the World Conservation Union.

Sea Turtles Are Welcome In Belize
 

Sea turtles are drawn to Belize because of the ideal feeding and nesting grounds. Although they spend their whole lives in the ocean, sea turtles return to sandy beaches to lay their eggs. As air-breathing reptiles covered with impermeable skin, they are one of the few marine species suited for terrestrial life. It is their shelled egg that demands the turtles nest to be laid on land. If the eggs are laid in water, the air-breathing embryo will drown. Females only come onto land for the nesting process, an event that requires incredible exertion.

Following a long journey to land, the female sea turtle makes a long trek up the beach to lay her eggs. She choose a well-protected area, above the high tide line, and starts the arduous process of digging the nest. She will lay up to a hundred eggs and cover them back up again with sand. The eggs will then incubate for 30 to 60 days before the hatchlings emerge and make the treacherous trip down the beach and back to the sea, where they will thrive and grow as the majestic creatures we have come to love and protect today.

Sea Turtles Face Many Threats

There are several natural threats faced by sea turtles. Even before the eggs hatch, they fall prey to predators like skunks, raccoons, wild dogs, and birds that feed on eggs. Those who make it to the hatchling phase will still have to face predators found in and out of the ocean. Once they reach adulthood, some sea turtles are inflicted with a potentially fatal tumor disease called marine turtle fibropapilloma, the cause of which is unknown. Of course, these are only the natural threats that sea turtles face. Those caused by humans are far greater in number and post a more significant threat.

Sea Turtles Have Safe Haven In North Ambergris Caye

Sea turtles found in the North Ambergris Caye nesting beach have been afforded some protection under the Ambergris Caye Master Plan. It is within close proximity to Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve, a conservation program developed and overseen by the reserve staff. Thanks in large part to research, there is a record of species popular in this area. Currently, 40 to 70 loggerhead nests are laid yearly, along with several green turtle nests. These populations have decreased compared to years past. Only with the enforcement of regulations, establishment of ore protected areas, and increased public awareness, do the sea turtles of Belize have a chance of fully recovering.