The 2025 loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) nesting season on Boa Vista recently came to an end. Between June and October, over 9,500 nests were recorded on the beaches we protect, with the final evaluations still ongoing. In any case, this year’s nest numbers will be significantly lower than last year (19,188). Fluctuations of this kind are not unusual in Cabo Verde.
Protecting Sea Turtles in Action
A total of 48 rangers and 35 (inter)national volunteers actively monitored and secured nests. During the season, 47 turtles that had lost their way to the sea were safely returned. Sadly, six turtles fell victim to poaching this year — a clear reminder that protection remains essential. To address this, our team researched poachers’ access routes and analyzed their paths back to the villages. This allows us to optimize patrol routes and strategically deploy our conservation sniffer dogs closer to potential poaching hotspots.
The season was also a success from a scientific perspective. Over 1,300 turtles were newly tagged, and more than 700 previously tagged individuals were re-encountered. Our hatchery was again operational, protecting 205 nests and safely releasing over 13,000 hatchlings into the sea — an hatching success rate of more than 80%.
Loggerhead hatchling on the beach
Beach Clean-Ups During Boa Vista’s Nesting Season
Beach clean-ups were also carried out in 2025: across 12 actions, 210 volunteers collected around 16 tons of waste and cleared 5 kilometers of beach. Polluted beaches make it harder for female turtles to nest and for hatchlings to reach the sea. Unfortunately, clean-ups are not a permanent solution, as debris continues to wash ashore from the ocean.
Your support makes the difference
The 2025 season demonstrates once again the importance of long-term protection. To continue effectively combating poaching and safeguarding nests, we need your support. Every donation strengthens our efforts to protect sea turtles on Boa Vista.