Conservation of Sea Turtles in Playa Venao Yield Incredible Results

We did it! Over 75,000 babies released so far! Data was peer reviewed by marine Biologists, Eimy Suaza from Colombia and Remí Parrieus from France. Our team consists of several scientists (biologists & zoologists) and many research assistants that work very hard during nesting season. It is a 24/7 job that requires a lot of compassion and love. 

This season’s results are nothing short of incredible. Remí comes from France and recently completed his master’s degree in biodiversity, ecology, and environment, with a specialization in conservation ecology at the Sorbonne University. During this season, he did an amazing job supporting the team to relocate over 20,000 eggs to the nursery.

Save The Turtles initiated Panama’s first temperature logger data. And we created an alliance with Okinawa to compare data since none exists domestically thus far.

We also contributed significantly to tracking and recapture data research for NOAA.

In the last year we even had a momma turtle tagged at our beach show up in Costa Rica.

Most interestingly, we analyzed 5 years of our data using R-software, the programming language for statistical computing and data visualization of spatial & temporal factors along with some specific trends related to lunar phases, tides and weather conditions. Another first for Panama!

There is still lots of work to be done. In the big picture, we have some ways to go about mitigating the predation from dogs, human poachers, tractor movements of the dunes, sand extraction, building in the buffer zone, light pollution, vehicle traffic and now even jet skis. But ultimately, we need national government authorities and municipalities to do their share of enforcement.

In the upcoming season, we plan on conduction detailed light metering research as well as promoting dark sky compliance through use of light studies that are science-based facts.  

Additionally, we aim to collaborate with Achotines Laboratory, IATTC, on incubation in temperature-controlled spaces rather than a nursery on the beach. 

Join us for a volunteer program in our upcoming 2026-2027 season with your contribution to being a guardian of nature! For Panama, for Colombia, for France, and for the world. 

Sincerely yours, 

Scott Matthew Crystal 

https://tortugasplayavenao.com/

info@tortugasplayavenao.com