Panama released more than 340,000 sea turtles in 2025, with records reflecting sustained effort on both coasts:
- 17,321 specimens in the Caribbean.
- 327,525 specimens in the Pacific.
The intervention took place on 21 nesting beaches, with participation from technical teams, volunteers, and local communities. Additionally, 2,882 people were impacted through awareness and environmental education programs.
National Plan 2026
The Ministry of Environment (MiAMBIENTE) launched the Work Plan for the Conservation of Sea Turtles of Panama 2026, which aims to expand and strengthen previous actions. This plan articulates scientific, community, and institutional efforts, covering various provinces and regions.
Planned actions:
- Nocturnal monitoring on nesting beaches.
- Environmental control and surveillance.
- Coastal cleanups and educational programs.
- Rehabilitation of hatcheries and thermal monitoring of nests.
- Strengthening technical capacities in communities.
The plan is structured around six fundamental axes: research, environmental education, governance, community participation, direct intervention, and long-term sustainability.
Community focus
The participation of coastal communities is key. The plan promotes:
- Cleanup days and environmental fairs.
- Training and local action programs.
- Active beach surveillance.
The model seeks to empower residents as guardians of their environment, promoting sustainable practices and active protection of ecosystems.
Protected species
At least five species of sea turtles nest in Panama:
- Leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea).
- Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata).
- Green (Chelonia mydas).
- Olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea).
- Loggerhead (Caretta caretta).
Several of these species are endangered, reinforcing the need to maintain permanent conservation programs.
Governance and challenges
The plan includes the creation of a national committee, updating diagnostics, and regulatory adjustments to improve inter-institutional coordination. More than 40 extraordinary activities in 2026 are also planned to strengthen institutional presence in the territory.
A recent case in the community of Piña (Colón) highlighted the challenges: a disoriented leatherback turtle was assisted by residents and returned to the sea. This episode shows the importance of proper human intervention and the need to reduce risk factors such as artificial lighting, predators, and human pressure.
Panama is consolidating as a strategic point in the migratory routes of the Pacific and the Caribbean, with a crucial responsibility in the protection of sea turtles. The challenge now is to ensure that progress translates into a sustained recovery of species, integrating science, communities, and environmental governance.
