Turtle hatchlings head to the sea

A volunteer holds an Olive Ridley turtle hatchling at the turtle camp La Gloria in Tomatlan, Mexico, Nov. 15, 2013.

Twenty years ago, Mexico's government implemented ecological plans to protect the sea turtles from being hunted for their leather and meat and established conservation areas and a pay system for local residents to protect turtle nests.

Tomatlan, Mexico

A turtle skull lies on a grassy side of the beach in Tomatlan, Nov. 16, 2013. 

Millions of baby turtles hatch on the shores in November and December, according to an environmental group. It is estimated that in 2012, there were 20 million newborns. 

Tomatlan, Mexico

Cameramen and volunteers surround an Olive Ridley turtle as she lays eggs on a beach in Tomatlan, Nov. 15, 2013.

Tomatlan, Mexico

Olive Ridley turtle hatchlings sit in baskets and trays at the turtle camp La Gloria, before their release into the ocean in Tomatlan, Nov. 15, 2013.

Tomatlan, Mexico

An Olive Ridley turtle hatchling flips on its back while trying to reach the ocean along with others in Tomatlan, Nov. 16, 2013. 

Tomatlan, Mexico

Volunteers pick Olive Ridley turtle hatchlings from the sand at the turtle camp La Gloria in Tomatlan, Nov. 15, 2013. 

Tomatlan, Mexico

Olive Ridley turtle hatchlings crawl to the ocean after being released in Tomatlan, Nov. 16, 2013. 

Tomatlan, Mexico

Olive Ridley turtle hatchlings are guided by volunteers with flashlights as they try to reach the ocean in Tomatlan, Nov. 15, 2013. 

Tomatlan, Mexico

A volunteer holds a basket with Olive Ridley turtle hatchlings at the turtle camp La Gloria in Tomatlan, Nov. 15, 2013. 

Tomatlan, Mexico

An Olive Ridley turtle hatchling reaches the ocean after being released in Tomatlan, Nov. 16, 2013.