In 2008, the Sea Turtle Conservancy began an inaugural sea turtle research and conservation project, through funding and support from Arenas Del Pacifico, to study the migration patterns of threatened olive ridley sea turtles nesting along the Pacific coast of El Salvador. The study will reveal important information about the turtle’s migratory behavior, including migratory routes, foraging grounds, and the areas of potential conflict with commercial fisheries or legal harvest of sea turtles. This critical information will enhance the ability of resource managers and conservationists in their efforts to protect Pacific olive ridleys through international conservation efforts.

The satellite transmitter attached to the turtle sends signals to orbiting satellites each time the turtles surface to breath. The data will be collected and downloaded to STC researchers. Educational migration maps will show the best location points of the turtle’s movements and locations. This will allow interested persons all over the world to watch along as researchers discover where the sea turtle travels after nesting. Through STC’s online educational program, the public is invited to watch along on the Internet as we learn more about these amazing animals.

For more information on sea turtles, check out the Sea Turtles Information section of our website.