COnsolidating Sea Turtle conservation in the Azores
Portugal
The COSTA Project (COnsolidating Sea Turtle Conservation in the Azores) is a collaborative marine conservation initiative dedicated to the long-term protection of sea turtles and their oceanic habitat in the North Atlantic, with a particular focus on the waters surrounding the Azores. This initiative stems from a comprehensive partnership between Institute of Marine Sciences OKEANOS (University of the Azores), the Regional Directorate for Maritime Policies, serving as the marine environmental authority in the Azores and the Regional Directorate for Fisheries.
COSTA generates robust scientific knowledge on sea turtle ecology and fisheries interactions through the systematic collection of high-quality data on incidental bycatch, demographic trends, and biological characteristics. Through trained fisheries observers deployed aboard vessels of the Portuguese industrial longline fleet, the project produces essential data to support science-based management, while promoting safer handling practices among fishers. Through the distribution of safe handling kits and promotion of release techniques, the project contributes to strengthening a culture of responsible fishing and increasing awareness of conservation issues within the maritime sector.
Through activities led by OMA (Observatório do Mar dos Açores), the project actively engages schools across the archipelago. In 2024 alone, OMA delivered 45 educational sessions to children aged 3 to 13, reaching a total of 998 participants. This impact is further extended through public events and seasonal programmes.
The project further extends its outreach through partnerships with whale-watching companies to connect scientific activities with the public, particularly through its sea turtle tagging programme. Twelve companies operating on five islands contribute to the programme, connecting science with diverse audiences through briefings and unique at-sea experiences. Since the start of the COSTA project, partners have tagged 337 turtles and facilitated the capture of over 80 individuals for satellite tracking, directly linking research with public engagement.