Sea Turtle Conservation
The FOSTUR Sea Turtle Conservation Program is dedicated to protecting endangered sea turtle species through hands-on conservation, scientific research, STEM education, and community engagement. Based in Costa Rica, our program works directly on nesting beaches to protect sea turtles during their most vulnerable life stages while building long-term solutions that benefit both wildlife and coastal communities.
Sea turtles have survived for more than 100 million years, yet today they face unprecedented threats from poaching, habitat loss, climate change, and human activity. FOSTUR exists to ensure these ancient mariners continue to thrive for generations to come.
Protecting Sea Turtles Through Science, Education, and Community
The FOSTUR Sea Turtle Conservation Program is dedicated to protecting endangered sea turtle species through hands-on conservation, scientific research, STEM education, and community engagement. Based in Costa Rica, our program works directly on nesting beaches to protect sea turtles during their most vulnerable life stages while building long-term solutions that benefit both wildlife and coastal communities.
Sea turtles have survived for more than 100 million years, yet today they face unprecedented threats from poaching, habitat loss, climate change, and human activity. FOSTUR exists to ensure these ancient mariners continue to thrive for generations to come.
Why Sea Turtle Conservation Matters
Sea turtles play a critical role in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems:
- They help balance seagrass beds and coral reef systems
- Their nesting activity supports beach ecosystems
- They serve as indicators of ocean health
Despite their importance, most sea turtle species are classified as threatened or endangered. Protecting nesting beaches is one of the most effective ways to increase hatchling survival and stabilize declining populations.
Our Conservation Approach
FOSTUR uses a science-based, ethical, and community-focused approach to sea turtle conservation.
🐢 Beach Patrols & Nest Protection
- Night and early-morning beach patrols during nesting season
- Identification and protection of nesting females
- Accurate data collection on nesting activity
- Protection of nests from poaching, predators, and flooding
🥚 Hatchery Management
- Safe relocation of at-risk nests to protected hatchery sites
- Monitoring incubation conditions and nest development
- Hatchling emergence tracking and release protocols
- Continuous improvement of hatchery design and management
📊 Research & Data Collection
- Long-term monitoring of nesting trends and hatch success
- Collection of biological and environmental data
- Use of digital tools for standardized data entry
- Contribution to conservation research and reporting
🌡️ Climate & Technology Integration
- Monitoring sand and nest temperatures
- Studying climate impacts on incubation and sex ratios
- Developing and deploying conservation technology
- Integrating STEM solutions into daily conservation work
👥 Community Outreach & Education
- Environmental education for visitors and local communities
- Guided hatchery tours and conservation talks
- Outreach programs aimed at reducing poaching
- Creating local stewardship and conservation leadership
Species We Protect
Our program focuses on protecting sea turtle species that nest along Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, including:
- Olive Ridley Sea Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea)
- Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas)
- Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)
Each species faces unique threats, requiring tailored conservation strategies.
Volunteer & Internship Opportunities
FOSTUR welcomes volunteers and interns from around the world to participate in sea turtle conservation efforts. Participants receive hands-on training and contribute directly to meaningful conservation outcomes.
Opportunities include:
- Beach patrols and nest monitoring
- Hatchery work and data collection
- Research assistance and technology projects
- Education and outreach support
Long-Term Vision
Our vision is to build resilient sea turtle populations through:
- Strong scientific foundations
- Innovative conservation technology
- Educated and empowered communities
- Collaboration with researchers and institutions
By combining field-based conservation with education and innovation, FOSTUR is working to turn the tide for sea turtles.
Support Sea Turtle Conservation
Protecting sea turtles requires dedication, resources, and community involvement. Whether through volunteering, internships, partnerships, or donations, your support helps ensure the survival of these iconic species.
Join FOSTUR and help protect sea turtles where it matters most—on the nesting beaches.
