We always wait for a couple of days after we have observed the hatchling tracks before we excavate the nest in order to allow the hatchlings to leave the nest under natural conditions. Maybe one of the resulting hatchlings will return to Tortuguero in 25-50 years to ensure the future of the green turtle rookery. Another intricate part of the Tortuguero future is of course the local children. Their attitudes toward sea turtles and conservation will determine the success of future conservation efforts. The future of the local children in turn is closely linked to that of the turtles.
Turtles bring tourists which means employment and business opportunities for local people.
If the attitudes of Jos , Cristian, Jonathan, Glenn and Michael are any indication, the turtles future may be good. They and several of the other school and high school children are participating in the nightly CCC tagging patrols to learn about turtle biology and research methods. They also get exposed to the international atmosphere at the field station and get a chance to exchange experiences with the RAs and the participants. Although bigger teams on the beach mean more work for the RAs, a pair of extra hands can be good when you have to restrain a green turtle returning to the water. Christian, a pupil from the Tortuguero school did a great job the other night when one of the tagging teams worked with 20 green turtles in four hours.