This project aims to attend to 100% of green, hawksbill and olive ridley turtles that arrive at the rescue center with health problems or injuries by improving its facilities. With the necessary medical and technical equipment, sea turtles get the chance of rehabilitation and will be re-released into their natural environment after a successful treatment. Collected scientific data about health status and threats will improve long term conservation and survival of the endangered species.
Decades of unsustainable use and harvesting of eggs have brought sea turtle populations to the border of extinction. Negative effects of global warming, contamination and habitat destruction additionally threaten the survival of the species worldwide. A growing problem of sea turtles encountered with various health problems in the Dulce Gulf in the south Pacific, mostly related to fisheries activities or ocean plastics makes sea turtle rehabilitation critical to their survival.
The project at Playa Blanca with its rescue center will be able to provide medical care and rehabilitation to sea turtles with health problems, mostly to give first aid and emergency treatments to animals that have an overload of parasites, got hooked or trapped in fishing gear or show signs of emaciation. Local fishermen groups and communities will be taught in how to react when finding a sea turtle with injuries or other problems to create a strong network of supporters in the region.
The project will contribute to the recovery of Eastern pacific hawksbill and green turtle populations as first aid treatment can be given and rehabilitation can take place at the rescue center. Data will be provided for the development of long term conservation strategies for the Osa Peninsula. Training about sea turtle rescue will be offered for veterinary students, volunteers and local community groups. 6 local families will be involved to host volunteers, which creates economic benefits.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
