Workers in Mexico are evacuating fragile sea turtle eggs to prevent loss as Hurricane Beryl heads towards the region, with concerns raised about potential negative impact on hatch rates.
Rush to Protect Wildlife as Hurricane Beryl Approaches Mexico
As Hurricane Beryl heads toward Mexico, efforts are underway to safeguard wildlife, particularly sea turtles. Workers have been evacuating fragile turtle eggs from beaches around Cancun. Beryl, currently offshore near Jamaica, is expected to strike south of Cancun by late Thursday or early Friday.
Government employees are collecting and transporting carey sea turtle eggs, a protected species in Mexico, using coolers and sand-bag barriers. This measure, while not ideal, aims to prevent the eggs from being washed away by storm surges.
Biologist Graciela Tiburcio acknowledges the potential negative impact on hatch rates but supports the emergency action as a necessary step to save the eggs.
In the fishing village of Punta Allen, about 700 residents are being urged to evacuate. Despite free transportation offered by the government, many residents are reluctant to leave, citing financial concerns and distrust in official disaster preparedness.
Cancun has already seen over 10,000 turtle eggs evacuated from 93 nests, according to a social media post by the municipal environment department.
Hurricane Beryl has decreased in intensity after battering Jamaica, causing extensive flooding and power outages. The storm is now making its way towards Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula.
This article provides a factual summary of the situation, leaving readers to form their own conclusions.
