PROGRAM OF CONSERVATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF MARINE TURTLES.

The southern area of the Province of Manabí has extensive beaches, many of them are in the area of Machalilla National Park and because the geographical conditions are the ideal place to nest. the marine area of Puerto Lopez is the place where The El Niño  and Humboldt sea current conver and create unique conditions for the feeding of turtles. These elements make them present throughout the year either by feeding between the months of April and May and then nesting the rest of the year.

However, population growth, large-scale tourism and fishing activities have caused negative effects, which leads to the search for alternatives and methods for their conservation.

In the area, turtle species such as the hawksbill (Eretmochelys Umbricata) have been identified.

Green turtles (Chelonia mydas) and olive ridleys (Lepidochelys olivacea) and recently there have been sightings of leatherback turtles or Tres Filos. This program is carried out between the months of December and April.

These are the activities that are carried out in this project:

1. Day and night patrols of beaches inside and outside the Machalilla National Park.
2. Measurement and marking of turtles
3. Egg counting and nest marking
4. Moving eggs to a nursery, or safer area if necessary
5. Installation of transmitters in turtle shells.
6. Rescue and care of the turtles in the protection center.