AMA Mexico

AMA Mexico founders President Dr. Manuel Carlos and his wife Ann started the organization initially to make sure that winter nesting Olive Ridleys on the Nuevo Vallarta beach were part of the existing Mexican government’s Sea Turtle Conservation Program there. Prior to 2002, the Nuevo Vallarta Sea Turtle Preserve (NVSTP) was open only six months of the year. However, observing that a significant number of turtles nested during the “ winter/spring low season,” Professor Carlos offered to keep the Preserve open from January 1 to June 15 by employing biologists to patrol the beach, relocate turtle nests and collect data.  He also proposed starting an environmental information program for visitors to the Preserve. The Mexican government’s Environmental Protection Agency (SEMARNAT) and later the Commission for the Protection of Natural Areas (CONANP) agreed to allow this. Once the government agencies saw the resulting data on the nests collected during the “low season,” they decided to keep the Preserve open year round.  With the current anticipated collection of upwards of 9,000 Olive Ridley nests each year, the Nuevo Vallarta beach has become the largest nesting beach for endangered Sea Turtles in the region.

Another initiative undertaken by AMA Mexico was to help in establishing the NVSTP as a permanent physical presence on the beach.  By working with the owner/developer of the land upon which the Preserve is located there is now a dormitory built into one of the towers of the resort and an open air gathering place for visitors.

AMA Mexico collaborates with the Mexican government to support the operations of the Nuevo Vallarta Sea Turtle Preserve.  In addition to providing stipends for staff biologists and student interns, the organization  provides environmental education at different levels, trains volunteers. and produces educational materials on Sea Turtles. Three annual Arts for the Turtles fundraising events, collaboration with The Bahia de Banderas Rotary Club, and grants for research project help to fuel this support.