Under Threat: The Struggles of Costa Rica’s Sea Turtles
Costa Rica’s beaches are some of the most important nesting grounds for sea turtles in the world. Every year, thousands of turtles — Olive Ridley, Green, Hawksbill, and Leatherback — crawl ashore to lay their eggs under the cover of night, trusting that the beach will protect the next generation. But for many of these turtles, that trust is broken.
Despite decades of conservation work, sea turtles in Costa Rica still face a complex mix of threats — both natural and man-made. After spending time on these beaches and working alongside turtle conservation teams, I’ve seen firsthand just how delicate their survival really is. Here are some of the key challenges they face.
Poaching: The Ongoing Black Market for Turtle Eggs
Even though it’s illegal in most places, poaching continues to be one of the biggest threats to sea turtles in Costa Rica. The eggs are often sold in local bars and markets, sometimes believed to have aphrodisiac properties — a myth that drives demand and justifies the risk for poachers.
In some communities, the eggs offer a source of quick income. A single nest can contain over 100 eggs, and during mass nesting events like the Olive Ridley arribadas, beaches can be covered in thousands of turtles at once — making it near impossible for under-resourced patrol teams to protect every nest.
Poaching isn’t always carried out by individuals. Organized networks sometimes traffic eggs to urban centres, making it harder to trace and stop the flow. Conservationists have responded with innovative tools, like GPS-enabled decoy eggs, but the battle is ongoing.
Habitat Loss: Development Along the Coast
As tourism expands, Costa Rica’s coastlines are changing. Hotels, restaurants, roads, and beachfront properties are taking up more space — often at the cost of natural turtle habitat. In many nesting areas, what was once a quiet, dark beach is now lit by artificial lights that disorient nesting mothers and hatchlings, leading them away from the sea and into danger.
Even small changes in the landscape — like compacted sand, foot traffic, or beach furniture — can deter turtles from nesting altogether.
Erosion and Storm Damage: Nature’s Role in the Crisis
While humans are a major threat, nature has its part to play too — particularly with the growing impact of climate change. Increasingly frequent and intense storms can strip sand from the beaches, flood nests, or deposit debris that prevents turtles from reaching suitable nesting spots.
In some areas, entire sections of beach have been lost to erosion. In others, nests are regularly washed away before they have a chance to hatch. With rising sea levels, the situation is expected to worsen.
Bycatch: Unseen Deaths at Sea
Even turtles that survive the nesting season face dangers in the open ocean. One of the most devastating is bycatch — when turtles are accidentally caught in fishing gear like longlines, gillnets, or trawl nets. In Costa Rica, longline fisheries have been particularly harmful, with tens of thousands of sea turtles estimated to be caught every year.
Many of these turtles drown before they can be released, and even those that escape can be left with injuries that reduce their chances of survival.
There are solutions — turtle excluder devices (TEDs), gear modifications, and sustainable fishing practices — but adoption is slow, and enforcement is patchy.
What Can Be Done?
Sea turtle conservation is a long game. It requires collaboration between local communities, scientists, governments, and travelers. The threats are many — but so are the opportunities to help.
Here’s how we can support the survival of sea turtles in Costa Rica:
Support local conservation groups through volunteering, donations, or spreading awareness.
Practice responsible tourism by keeping a respectful distance from nesting turtles and following local guidelines.
Reduce your plastic footprint to limit ocean pollution — turtles often mistake plastic bags for jellyfish.
Advocate for sustainable seafood and support policies that protect marine life from destructive fishing practices.
Every turtle that survives to nest is a victory. Every hatchling that makes it to the sea is a small miracle. And every effort we make — from late-night beach patrols to thoughtful travel choices — helps give these ancient mariners a fighting chance.
If you’ve walked the beaches of Costa Rica and heard the rustle of a turtle in the dark, you’ll know how powerful those moments are. And why they’re worth protecting.
