FOFriends of Sea Turtles
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About Friends of Sea Turtles
FOSTUR protects endangered sea turtles, mangroves, and coastal ecosystems in Costa Rica through hands-on fieldwork, scientific research, technology, and education. Its work reaches nesting beaches, hatcheries, mangrove habitats, coastal schools, and local communities. A gift supports practical conservation, from protecting nests and restoring mangroves to removing plastic, fishing gear, and debris from nesting beaches.
FOSTUR brings sea turtle protection and mangrove restoration into close conversation with STEM education, field research, and community participation. Its bamboo-based hatchery supports wildlife protection, scientific monitoring, volunteer training, and local education in the same conservation project.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
Sea Turtle Conservation
Protects endangered sea turtle species through beach patrols, nest protection, hatchery management, research, data collection, climate monitoring, technology integration, community outreach, and education.
Mangrove Conservation
Protects and restores mangrove ecosystems through mangrove planting, environmental monitoring, biodiversity and fisheries surveys, research, climate and blue-carbon studies, and community education.
Scientific Research and Innovation
Conducts nesting-beach and in-water monitoring, collects biological and environmental data, and develops conservation technologies such as sensors, mobile data tools, data platforms, and research technologies.
STEM Education and Student Programs
Provides internships, capstone projects, fieldwork, research assistant opportunities, and hands-on learning for students in biology, engineering, data science, environmental technology, marine biology, and ecology.
Community Engagement and Environmental Education
Works with coastal communities and schools through school visits, community workshops, guided tours, conservation talks, beach cleanups, hatchling releases, and outreach events.
Volunteer Programs
Offers opportunities in sea turtle conservation, mangrove restoration, scientific research, community education, beach patrols, hatchery work, data collection, guided tours, and conservation outreach.
About this work
Mission
FOSTUR's mission is the conservation of coastal marine wildlife and ecosystems, the modernization of conservation through technology, STEM education in coastal community schools, and direct engagement with coastal communities. FOSTUR protects endangered marine wildlife through hands-on education, scientific research, conservation action, and community engagement.
Who they serve
Coastal communities, local school students, volunteers, university students, interns, researchers, visitors, and endangered marine wildlife populations in Costa Rica.
Their impact
- FOSTUR's coastal cleanups have removed hundreds of pounds of plastic, fishing gear, and debris from local nesting beaches.
How your donation helps
- Sea turtle hatchery construction and management
- Nest protection and beach patrols
- Sea turtle research, data collection, and monitoring technology
- Mangrove planting and restoration
- Environmental education and community outreach
- Volunteer training and conservation field activities
Need help?
How someone in need can access Friends of Sea Turtles’s services.
People interested in volunteering, research collaboration, educational programs, or sea turtle experiences can contact FOSTUR by email or phone. Volunteer opportunities are available in Costa Rica for flexible stays from one week to several months, with on-site training and guidance provided.
Ways to help
Concrete needs and volunteer roles Friends of Sea Turtles has shared.
Current needs
- Items listed on the organization's donation page
- Donations supporting sea turtle conservation and hatchery work
Volunteer opportunities
- Night and early-morning beach patrols
- Nest protection and monitoring
- Hatchery maintenance and hatchling releases
- Sea turtle data collection and basic research support
- Mangrove planting and restoration
- Environmental monitoring and data collection
- Biodiversity and fisheries surveys
- Guided tours and educational programs
- School visits and community workshops
- Conservation outreach and educational materials
- Research assistance and technology projects
- Habitat restoration and coastal cleanups
- Translation for visiting researchers
Recognition & press
Awards & recognition
- Official research and conservation permits approved by Costa Rican authorities
Partners & funders
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
What activities do sea turtle conservation volunteers perform?
Volunteers may join night and early-morning beach patrols, help protect and monitor nests, maintain hatcheries, support hatchling releases, collect data, and assist with visitor education and conservation talks.
What do mangrove conservation volunteers do?
Mangrove volunteers may help with planting and restoration, environmental monitoring, biodiversity and fisheries surveys, educational mangrove walks, and community outreach.
Are prior conservation skills required to volunteer?
No prior conservation experience is required. FOSTUR provides training and guidance on site, and volunteer roles may be adapted to each person’s skills, interests, and project needs.
What student and researcher opportunities are available?
FOSTUR offers internships, capstone projects, fieldwork, research assistant placements, technology projects, and sanctioned field opportunities for students and researchers in biology, engineering, data science, environmental technology, marine biology, and ecology.
Which sea turtle species does FOSTUR's program focus on?
The program identifies Olive Ridley, Green, and Hawksbill sea turtles as species nesting along Costa Rica’s Pacific coast.
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