Conservation and Monitoring program of Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) sea turtle.that nesting in the North Pacific of Costa Rica

The recipient will 1) implement a long-term conservation project for the leatherback sea turtle at Playa Langosta, Las Baulas National Park and 2) extend nesting surveys and nest protection activities for leatherbacks to the secondary nesting sites of Playa Nombre de Jesus, Zapotilla, Onda and Real during the 2016- 2017 nesting season.

Specific project activities include: training of local and international research assistants and volunteers to help conduct nesting surveys and nest protection activities, improving camp infrastructure, hatchery construction and operation, data collection and analysis, and environmental education and outreach, including local school field trips and a turtle festival.