The RIESTER Conservation Foundation has granted funding to PRETOMA, a Costa Rican conservation organization. The money has been used to perform a pilot study of Playa Corozalito, in Northwest Costa Rica, during peak nesting months (Sept-Nov, 2008) to gather information on how best to protect the sea turtle population nesting at Corozalito beach. The pilot project included a three month study, including evaluating the success rate of nests left in-situ (where the turtle laid originally) and those relocated to other parts of the beach.
A hatchery was not a part of the pilot study but will be necessary when it is proven that the success rate of those eggs protected on the beach is unacceptably low. Based on previous observations, a hatchery will be necessary when PRETOMA initiates a full-season project at Corozalito for the 2009 nesting season. In addition, new hatcheries will be built at nearby San Miguel and Costa de Oro beaches and a supply of flipper tags will be acquired for scientific research.
