- The culinary traditions of Holy Week in predominantly
Catholic Mexico are a threat to the survival of this millennia-old species.
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- MEXICO CITY -- Consumption of sea turtle meat and eggs
reaches alarming levels during the Catholic Church calendar's Lenten season
observed by the faithful in Mexico, who are adherents to questionable culinary
traditions, say environmentalists.
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- The number of turtles killed each year to supply the
black market in Mexico and the United States reaches 35,000, poet Homero
Aridjis, president of the environmental International Group of 100, told
TierramÈrica.
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- Sea turtles are categorized in two families: Cheloniidae
and Dermochelyidae, and six genus: Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea),
black (Chelonia agassizi), hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), leatherback
(Dermochelys coriacea), green (Chelonia mydas) and loggerhead (Caretta
caretta).
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- Until 1960, sea turtle exploitation in Mexico, one of
the world's richest countries in terms of biodiversity, was limited to
the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean areas.
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- But the rise in demand for the turtle's meat and eggs,
and the production of luxury items made from its leather, shell and oil,
contributed to pushing the species into the endangered category.
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- The over-exploitation, especially of reproductive adults,
the collection of eggs in nesting areas, the loss or degradation of critical
habitat, and certain fishing practices are other major threats to the sea
turtle's survival.
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- For the second consecutive year, the Group of 100 and
the U.S.-based Sea Turtle Conservation Network of the Californias carried
out a campaign that included an appeal to Pope John Paul II to urge the
Catholic faithful, in Mexico and elsewhere, not to eat turtle meat during
Holy Week.
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- Consumption of turtle meat reaches its peak during Lent,
which is why "we appeal to the ecological conscience of the Vatican,
because the Church hierarchy could contribute a great deal towards disseminating
the notion of respect for animal life," said Aridjis.
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- "If the Vatican would officially clarify to the
Catholics who observe the period of abstinence (from consumption of beef,
pork, poultry or lamb) that turtle is not fish, it would help protect an
endangered species, one of extraordinary biological value," the poet-environmentalist
explained.
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- The campaign included announcements and public events
in Mexico and in the U.S. states of Texas and California, where the communities
of Mexican origin have taken their traditions -- including turtle meat,
through smuggling, says Aridjis.
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- The United States banned sea turtle hunting in 1973,
and in Mexico a total ban on the capture and sales of these animals or
their byproducts went into effect in 1990. But consumption of turtle meat
and trade in its shell and leather continue, said the activist.
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- Mexico is famous for its varied and sophisticated cuisine.
The states of Jalisco, Campeche, Michoac·n, Quintana Roo, Tabasco,
Baja California and Chiapas -- each with its own culinary personality --
include among their typical dishes turtle soup and other preparations of
turtle meat.
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- Biologist Jorge TÈllez LÛpez, of the University
of Guadalajara, says the established turtle nesting areas in Mexico are
vital for the survival of the species and must be protected, as should
the sea turtle migration routes along the Pacific, Atlantic and Caribbean
coasts.
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- Conservation groups, scientific and education institutions
are working in the field, taking the direct approach to protecting the
sea turtle.
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- TÈllez LÛpez explained that temporary security
fences are set up around nesting areas. Unearthed eggs are reburied and
incubated under strict controls until the turtles hatch.
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