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Marine Turtle Newsletter 69:14-16, © 1995

Marine Turtle Newsletter-Online

NATIONAL MEXICAN TURTLE CENTER

For centuries marine turtles have figured prominently in Mexican culture, especially of native coastal communities, and provided a significant part of the livelihood of a large number of coastal fishermen. Recently a combination of factors, including unlimited exploitation (which rose during the second half of the present century due to commercial demands, such as for leather in international markets), the low percentage of hatchlings which survive to adulthood, and environmental degradation (e.g., coastal tourism and industrial developments), have resulted in the turtles becoming endangered in Mexico. In search of conservation alternatives for these prehistoric species, the Mexican Federal Government announced on 24 September 1991 (Part 8, "Codigo de Ensenada" Decree) the creation of a Live Turtle Museum to serve as an institutional focal point to coordinate conservation, research, and protection efforts. As a result, the National Mexican Turtle Center was built in Mazunte, Santa Maria Tonameca county, Oaxaca. The Center is administratively part of the Instituto Nacional de la Pesca (Secretaria de Pesca), located ca. 900 km south of Mexico City (Figure 1).

The objectives of the new facility are (a) to disseminate knowledge about the biology and conservation of marine turtles, and the laws that protect them, (b) to promote scientific and technological research for the handling, husbandry, and conservation of turtles, (c) to promote ecological tourism in the region, and (d) to support the development and growth of the region's communities. The Center is composed of four public areas, as well as research laboratory space. The Exhibition Area features an aquarium hall of circular design with 13 aquariums exhibiting various life history stages (hatchlings, juveniles, adults) of the sea turtles that live in our country. Three aquariums exhibit six of the most common freshwater turtles and two common terrestrial turtles. Each exhibition includes a selection of native flora and fauna to provide a natural setting. The Botanical Garden (ca. 200 m) features native cacti, displaying exemplary species of semidesertic flora from the region. The Garden is dedicated to Mexican Dra. Helia Bravo Hollis, in recognition of 62 years of researching cacti. A Multi-purpose Room was designed for meetings, workshops, cultural events, and the presentation of temporary and permanent expositions about turtle research and conservation activities. The Cafeteria and Gift Store offer a variety of services, including sale of hand-crafted souvenirs made by the residents of surrounding communities.

The research area was designed to promote an increased knowledge of the biology and ethology of turtles, with the intent of contributing to the design and application of strategies to recover marine turtle populations. This area is responsible for coordination and operation of the Marine Turtle Camps in Escobilla, Barra de la Cruz, and Morro Ayuta beaches on the Oaxaca coast, with state government participation. The Research area features laboratories for the

Figure 1
Figure 1. Location of the National Mexican Turtle Center (Centro Mexicano de la Tortuga).

analysis of water (to accurately maintain the quality of aquaria), experimentation tanks for hatchlings and juveniles, an incubation room for investigations of embryonic development, and a computer center. The Center's staff consists of a Director-Researcher, Technical-Subdirector, Researchers, Veterinarians, Technicians, Laboratory workers, Receptionists, Aid-de-camp Guides, and Administrative, Guard, and Maintenance personnel.

An important aspect of the Center is the promotion of national activities and the attraction of national and foreign visitors, students and researchers. To encourage tourism, there are plans to promote programs to government representatives, hotel associations, travel agencies, and civic groups with the objective to include visiting the Center as a part of their various commercial tours of Oaxaca state. There are also plans to promote visitation through publicity at national and international events, and by working with the media. To encourage research, an agreement will be installed to outline collaboration with national and foreign research institutes. Finally, promotional programs will be staged at academic events, such as symposia. For the realization of these objectives it is necessary to have the collaboration and participation of authorities, civic groups, and merchant and industry groups. Material and financial contributions are also necessary to provide productive alternatives to assist local communities that were most affected by the 1990 ban on sea turtle harvest and commerce.

JAVIER VASCONCELOS PEREZ and O. ERNESTO ALBAVERA PADILLA, Centro Mexicano de la Tortuga, Apdo. Postal 16 C.P. 70902, Pto. Angel, Oaxaca, MEXICO; FAX (52) (958) 40122. [ The authors thank Luz Sarai Juarez Solano for translation assistance. ]