BEACH PATROLS

For many generations the people of Costa Rica harvested marine turtle eggs for consumption. This is a part of their culture, and the practice of harvesting the eggs was handed down through the ages. Although some of the eggs are good to eat, the more potent draw to the eggs is the belief that they act as an aphrodisiac, even though it has been proven false by the latest science.

Left: Local villager hunts for turtle eggs. Right: An unfriendly encounter on the beach.

Sea Turtles Forever is dedicated to stopping the illegal harvest of eggs, but is also aware of the many dynamics that come into play. During our nightly patrols, we encounter all types of people combing the beaches for nests. Every poacher has a different story. Some are just men out of work, walking the beach and trying to find food. There are also some very hardened poachers who will stop at nothing. Many are armed, and all respond to opposition to retrieving the eggs with aggression.

Left: STF director Marc Ward and the Turtle Team prepare for a nightly patrol. Right: The Turtle Team sorts through plastic debris cleaned off the beach.

Our goal is to bring the turtle population back to a sustainable level for our children’s children, so they will have sea turtles around for generations to come. When Sea Turtle Forever’s Punta Pargos project began in November of 2002, 99% of the turtle nests on Costa Rica’s beaches were being poached. In the five years since, we have reduced those numbers significantly - securing over 80% of the nests last hatching season.

Left: A pair of turtle hatchlings make a break for the ocean

Another major challenge facing the turtles, is plastic debris carried by ocean currents to the beaches where they nest. Plastic bags, soft drink bottles, flip flops - literally tons of garbage from North and South America wash up on these shores each year! Not only has ingested plastic been found during recent autopsies of turtles, but these plastics also contain toxins that can be extremely harmful to baby hatchlings.

Costa Rica can’t manage this monumental task on its own, and needs help from the international community to get the job done. That’s where The Catch Conservation Fund comes in. These programs are all completely staffed by volunteers, and your tax deductible donation helps us make sure these beautiful creatures will continue to thrive in their natural habitat.

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The Catch Conservation Fund
788 Holiday Rd.
McCormick, SC 29835

1-800-392-1293
info@catchconservation.com