LAST (Latin American Sea Turtles) Association - WIDECAST

A COMPARISON OF MARINE TURTLE CONSERVATION ON THE CARIBBEAN AND PACIFIC COASTS, COSTA RICA

The aim of this research was to compare marine turtle conservation methods on the
Caribbean and Pacific coasts of Costa Rica at three sites: the Caribbean Conservation
Corporation site at Tortuguero and the Canadian Organization for Tropical Education and
Rainforest Conservation site at Cano Palmo, and the Ostional Wildlife Refuge. These
sites were selected to represent diverse approaches in the conservation movement within
Costa Rica, including American, Canadian and Costa Rican.
During the early 1900s many marine turtle populations around the world were near
extinction due to hunting. Recently factors including nesting beach destruction due to
anthropogenic use, incidental capture in fisheries, fishing practices degrading turtle
feeding grounds, as well as pollution, have all been linked to declines in marine turtle
populations. Marine turtles play a large role in the social structures of the communities
surrounding these three sites, therefore, it is important to consider conservation strategies,
ecotourism and local communities while comparing these three sites.
Data from expert and stakeholder interviews conducted during November 2006 - January
2007 are used to compare conservation strategies employed at the three turtle nesting
sites. The most effective methods are employed at Ostional Wildlife Refuge due to the
fact that this site is able to combine local community needs with ecotourism. The local
community at this site is in control of conservation and ecotourism at this site is
beginning to directly benefit the local population. This research enhances current
understanding about marine turtle conservation methods. It describes the Costa Rican
situation but has wider applicability.