Turtles and their role in Guatemala’s marine and coastal ecosystems
Trainings for turtle egg extractors (parlameros) and military personnel raised awareness on the main services offered and challenges faced by turtles.
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A workshop was held in the village of La Barrona in the municipality of Pasaco in Guatemala’s department of Jutiapa, aimed at the village’s turtle egg extractors (parlameros) and the military personnel who support the local turtle conservation farm. Parlameros are people dedicated to the collection of parlama turtle eggs for consumption, sale, and distribution to the country's turtle farms, with the objective of preserving the species in a sustainable way.
The workshop was conducted by an expert biologist who, with participatory activities, presented the five species of sea turtles in Guatemala: loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta), hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), green turtle (Chelomia mydas), olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) and leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea).
He also presented the main ecosystem services offered by turtles, including:
- Control of jellyfish populations
- Maintaining the health of seagrass
- Transport of essential nutrients in ocean ecosystems
- Contribution of nutrients to beaches
- Tourism and education
- Regulation of prey populations
- Connecting habitats
- Indicators of ecosystem health
Additionally, he highlighted the main threats to turtles, including:
- Fisheries bycatch
- Degradation of nesting habitat
- Marine pollution
- Trafficking of eggs and turtles
- Entanglement in derelict fishing gear
- Human interference with nests
The activity ended with a small snack provided to the participants.
- Country: Guatemala
- Project:
- Contact:
Melanie Ortiz
