Police have arrested six men for illegally harvesting sea turtle eggs near Acapulco. The 3,756 eggs were being smuggled in sacks and intended for sale or consumption.
The Olive Ridley turtle is endangered and protected under Mexican law.
The collection of marine turtle eggs from beach nests is a common practice by coastal communities throughout the world and contributes to the decline of turtle populations across the globe. All seven species of sea turtles have been designated endangered. The collection of the eggs has been responsible for the greatest part of the decline of the past few decades, and many nesting beaches are now empty of sea turtles.
The crime of illegally harvesting sea turtle eggs is punishable by prison terms of one to nine years.
