Sea Turtle Conservation in Costa Rica

In many parts of Costa Rica, where lush rainforests meet pristine seashores, remarkable conservation efforts unfold multiple times a year, drawing locals, tourists and wildlife enthusiasts to come watch, support and learn about the conservation of sea turtles. Different kinds of Sea Turtles choose costarican beaches to lay their eggs all year around, and sea turtle conservation in Costa Rica is a shining example of how dedicated individuals, organizations and communities in general can have a significant impact on the preservation of these magic marine creatures. 

Species such as the Olive Ridley, Leatherback, Hawksbill and Loggerhead have called Costa Rica’s coastal shores home for many years. However, in the past years, they have faced various threats. Plastic pollution, habitat destruction, industrial fishing and the illegal trade of turtle eggs have shown their negative effects on the sea turtle population worldwide. There are many negative effects threatening the many different kinds of sea turtles, and sadly, all of those threats are man-made or the aftermath of human activities, which makes it important to raise awareness and support sea turtle conservation.

Why is Sea Turtle Conservation Important?

It is important to understand that conserving sea turtles in Costa Rica and in other countries is not simply about the protection of this ancient animal. It is also about the protection of entire ecosystems, since the sea turtle plays an important role in maintaining healthy marine environments. Conserving and protecting sea turtles means also protecting the ocean and the incredible biodiversity within. These ancient animals help to maintain productive coral reef ecosystems and healthy seagrass beds, which store carbon, and they help to transport essential nutrients to the beaches, which help to prevent coastal erosion. But not only do the sea turtles have positive effects on the environment they live in, conservation of sea turtles also positively affects the local community. Many communities surrounding sea turtle conservation organizations depend on the conservation for their jobs and income, especially with the rising awareness of sustainability, eco-tourism and the need to protect our environment and the biodiversity that it carries.

Costa Rica is known for its commitment to environmental sustainability, and this extends to its efforts of saving the sea turtles. Conservation organizations, national and international, have established programs along both coastlines dedicated to the preservation of sea turtles by protecting the nest sites and the hatchlings. Aspects of these conservation programs include:

1. Nest Protection: Conservationists patrol nesting beaches to identify and protect sea turtle nests from poachers and predators. Eggs are being transported to safe hatcheries where they are being protected from any harm. 
2. Hatchling / Baby Sea Turtle Release: This is probably the best known protective action taken by conservation organizations. The baby turtles are being released into the ocean when they’re ready, and often tourists and volunteers are invited to experience this magical moment. This also creates the opportunity to educate people more about the threats that sea turtles are facing and what one can do to mitigate them. 
3. Research and Education: In order to help the sea turtles in the best way possible, scientific research on sea turtle behavior, migration and health is crucial. Therefore, many organizations in Costa Rica focus on educating both locals and visitors about the importance and the positive effects of sea turtle preservation.
4. Community Involvement: Engaging not only tourists, but more importantly the locals in the conservation efforts of the sea turtles, is a vital aspect of successful preservation. Many Costa Rican towns are embracing their contribution to the preservation and take pride in it, as well as generate income through eco-tourism. Other towns on the contrary, especially within poor communities, the importance of sea turtle conservation has not been paid attention to yet. Oftentimes locals steal the sea turtle eggs from their nest and try to sell them, in order to make an income themselves.