This project will support LAST's sea turtle rescue on the Osa Peninsula of Costa Rica, providing a well functioning boat motor for emergency calls to the Dulce Gulf by sea turtle entanglement, unwanted interactions with fisheries and for in-water population studies - with the goal to increase sea turtle survival for Eastern Pacific hawksbill and green turtles.
Sea turtles use the Dulce Gulf of Costa Rica as feeding and developing ground. LAST conducts in-water studies by boat to gain knowledge about critically endangered hawksbill and endangered green turtles populations, habitat use and existing threats. Frequently, fishermen and conservation groups encounter sea turtles in the Dulce Gulf in a bad condition and immediate help is essential if they are to survive. This project ensures boat transportation to the rescue center for medical treatment.
The funds will be used to purchase urgently needed outboard motor parts for the project's boat that will guarantee the continuation of our habitat and populations studies in the Dulce Gulf as well as enable our project team to react quickly to any emergencies, like sea turtle stranding or sea turtle entanglements in the area.
LAST involves 6 local families that benefit from our volunteer program. Volunteers from all over the world participate and play an essential role in our program. They assist our conservation activities and provide financial means to the community. As the main activities take place in the Dulce Gulf, our motor boat is key for the transportation of people and sea turtles. There is no rescue without an "ambulance" boat and our research is key for a long term sea turtle conservation in Osa.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
