Sea turtle populations and poaching implications on Playa Norte, Tortuguero, Costa Rica 2009-2011

Sea turtle populations continue to be under threat globally from organised poaching for human consumption and financial gain. In the northeast of Costa Rica four species of sea turtle nest annually at one of the country’s most popular tourism destinations, Tortuguero. Over a four year nesting population survey, completed with anti-poaching strategies, we show that sea turtle poaching levels on the edge of the national park beach zones are maintained at a similar frequency annually and potentially could increase. Harvesting of sea turtles on the Atlantic coasts of Costa Rica is prohibited. Unsustainable poaching of adult sea turtles and their nests during years of poorer adult abundance has an unknown potential to damage future populations by degrading the number of nests that could hatch and the subsequent recruitment of hatchling turtles. We raise concern over the dwindling future of hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) on the beaches surrounding Tortuguero National Park