Marine Biologists in Costa Rica and El Salvador Lead the Fight for Hawksbill Turtle Survival

The Costa Rican marine biologist Ariana Oporta-McCarthy, president of the Costa Rican Alliance for Conservation and Science of the Sea Turtles (COASTS), is leading the fight to save the hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) from extinction on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast.

In the last 200 years, the olive ridley turtle has declined due to the exploitation of its eggs and turtles for food and tortoiseshell. Additionally, it faces current threats such as the loss of its nesting and feeding habitat from accidental capture and pollution, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature. critically endangered due to the exploitation of their eggs and turtles for food and tortoiseshell. Additionally, it faces current threats such as the loss of its nesting and feeding habitat from accidental capture and pollution, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

The Gandoca beach, vital for the nesting of these turtles, was being severely impacted by illegal egg collection. Oporta-McCarthy and her team have reduced egg poaching from 100% to nearly 0%, removed over four tons of plastic from the beach, and released more than 40,000 hatchlings. Additionally, over 500 mangrove trees have been planted to restore the habitat.

Research and Conservation Project

In 2020, Oporta-McCarthy reactivated a research project at the Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge focused on hawksbill turtles. Despite initial challenges, the project, led by community members, has built scientific skills among local youth. Activities include night patrols, scientific data collection, nest relocation, daytime censuses, satellite transmitter placement, beach cleanups, and mangrove planting.

Awards and Achievements

Ariana Oporta-McCarthy was named a 2022 Fellow of the New England Aquarium's Marine Conservation Action Fund (MCAF). The funding supported environmental education in over 20 local schools, where students participated in releasing turtle hatchlings.

Oporta-McCarthy grew up in Gandoca and, despite initial challenges, became the first from her town to graduate as a biologist in 2013. She emphasizes the importance of empowering local youth as agents of change and taking action instead of waiting for external heroes.

El Salvador

On the other side of Central America, Ani Henríquez, executive director of the Procosta Association in El Salvador, is also working to conserve hawksbill turtles in the eastern Pacific. After being considered extinct in 2007, there has been a significant increase in nest protection with the collaboration of local communities.

The work of Oporta-McCarthy and Henríquez highlights the importance of community collaboration and active commitment to preserve hawksbill turtles, contributing to the conservation of this endangered species and the balance of marine ecosystems.