Palmarito Sea Turtle Rescue

Palmarito Sea Turtle Rescue (PSTR) was founded in 2004 to protect baby sea turtles in their increasingly fragile nesting habitat on Oaxaca's Palmarito Beach and nearby beaches. From September to June, the organization patrols the nearly 14-mile-long Palmarito Beach for sea turtles laying eggs. The nests are relocated to protected corrals to eliminate poaching by humans and wildlife. Weeks later, volunteers (including veterinarians, veterinary nurses, students, and community members) release the hatchlings on the same beach on which they were found. Thousands of endangered turtle species have been protected and released through these efforts. Valuable information regarding hatching rates, fertility, and nest sizes are recorded for each species.  

The Palmarito Sea Turtle Project also operates the Mazunte Project to help manage the overpopulation and well-being of rural dogs on the Oaxacan coast. PSTR has treated 6,000 dogs using safe spay and neuter programs along with parasites prevention and other treatments.  

For almost two decades, the project has been protecting and releasing 40,000 to 60,000 turtles annually. PSTR also educates locals and tourists on the important role these sea turtles play in the marine ecosystem and on their sustainable economic value to ecotourism.