Environmental and health authorities take action in Mexico and Chile

In Jalisco, Mexico, authorities have launched a training program titled ‘Capacitación para la Coexistencia con Cocodrilos en los Municipios Costeros del Estado de Jalisco’ to address rising conflicts between humans and crocodiles. Experts attribute the increased sightings in tourist areas, such as Playa Holly, to urban expansion into coastal ecosystems and the natural movement of reptiles between water bodies. The initiative, which initially targets the hotel sector, follows the deaths of 11 crocodiles in the region. The National Guard has deployed surveillance operations to prevent poaching and protect the species.

In Tarapacá, Chile, the SEREMI de Salud has shut down an unauthorized sea urchin processing plant in the Seremeño sector. During an inter-institutional inspection, authorities discovered the facility lacked sanitary permits and had deficient processing, packaging, and conservation conditions. The operation resulted in the seizure of 1,000 sea urchins and 764 kilograms of sea urchin tongues, which are slated for destruction to prevent public health risks. The facility also lacked proper authorizations for water and sewage systems.