The Proyecto Caguama is comprised of local fishermen, housewives, professionals and children plus researchers concerned with the conservation of the endangered loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) living off the waters of Baja California Sur.

 

Mission
Our mission is to generate integral solutions to the problems threatening loggerhead sea turtles, to assure the survival of this endangered species.

History
The Proyecto Caguama, better known as proCaguama, is part of the Grupo Tortuguero. ProCaguama was initiated in 2002 in the fishing community of Puerto Adolfo Lopez Mateos. The Pacific coast of Baja California Sur, host unusually high concentrations of loggerheads or caguamas (as locally called). Such unusually high concentrations make this region critical for the conservation of this species.

Concerned with the high mortality of loggerhead turtles occurring in this zone, proCaguama has fostered the practical application of science by looking for integral solutions to reduce the by-catch of these animals and promote responsible fisheries. During 2004, proCaguama broadened its horizons spreading the message of conservation in other communities, including Punta Abreojos and San Juanico. In this way, a growing network of individuals is acting locally to protect the sea turtles.

The Proyecto Caguama carries out a range of outreach and environmental education activities, including an annual Sea Turtle Festival which draws thousands of people from all over Baja California Sur and beyond. Through such events proCaguama promotes loggerhead turtles in BCS coastal communities as a natural treasure akin to the grey whales which visit BCS lagoons each winter to calve.