Q. Bergman 2017

A leatherback returns to the ocean after nesting on Playa Grande, Costa Rica - the last mass nesting beach for Eastern Pacific leatherbacks.

The mission of The Leatherback Trust is to protect leatherback turtles, other endangered sea turtles, freshwater turtles and their ecosystems through conservation, research, management and education. More

Eastern Pacific leatherback turtles are critically endangered. This population of sea turtles has declined by more than 98% since 1990. We are working to reverse this trend by tackling the 5 most deadly threats to leatherbacks and other sea turtles around the world. Our scientists conduct research at nesting beaches and at sea, collecting critical data to support conservation interventions. We partner with communities to protect nesting beaches and work with governments to inform sustainable development and fisheries management priorities.




News & events

Callout for Biologists

Each year, The Leatherback Trust selects a team of highly motivated, early-career biologists to conduct our research at the Goldring-Gund Marine Biology Station in Playa Grande, Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Field biologists work under our Project Coordinator and with our Volunteer Coordinator to collect the crucial data in The Leatherback Trust’s long-term sea turtle monitoring program at Las Baulas National Marine Park by conducting nightly and morning patrols in search of nesting turtles.

The Cabuyal Team

The Cabuyal Team 

Call for biologists

Each year, The Leatherback Trust selects a team of highly motivated, early-career biologists to assist our researchers at the Goldring-Gund Marine Biology Station in Playa Grande, Guanacaste, Costa Rica.