by Sheldon I. Apteker

It has been eight years since I first came to Akumal and ignited my passion for swimming with green sea turtles. That first year I photographed several and kept a log of what I saw, which I explained to the CEA staff. I was surprised, for I was informed that they had few underwater photographs and practically no record of turtle behavior in the water. The director of the Turtle Project, as well as several of other staff members, was enthused with my observations and encouraged me to provide more data!

As the years progressed and both my equipment and I became more proficient, my accumulated data was made available on www.tortugawatch.com. I witnessed first-hand many changes in both Akumal and its turtle population, the most significant of which was the increased number of turtles in Akumal Bay and their grazing and socialization habits. Initial reports indicated both mature and juvenile turtles grazing together for extended periods. However, continued observations revealed the mature turtles to be transient. The juveniles of all ages can be seen foraging by themselves and grazing in groups. These groups can be observed grazing around selected edges of turtle grass meadows.

What I have found to be most exciting is that repeated passive observations of these turtles have revealed that they appear to recognize the observer, and will approach within arm’s distance. During peaceful observations, it was possible to hear the turtles chop grass and chew, and to note their selection of specific blades of grass. On occasion, when a group of turtles was threatened, the largest of the group would move in obvious evasive actions, allowing the smaller turtles to vanish in deep turtle grass or to speed off. Once the threat was gone, the turtles returned to their meal.

As a layman, my peripheral involvement with the turtle conservation program has been most rewarding, as I believe I have given something back to the reef and to the turtle population. It is important to note as well that CEA’s programs on education, water, recycling and turtles have made significant contributions to the quality of life in Akumal.