Asociación Salvemos las Tortugas de Parismina

Asociación Salvemos las Tortugas de Parismina (Spanish) (English: Association for Saving the Turtles of Parismina or ASTOP), is a community-based, non profit, conservation organization based in Parismina, Costa Rica, dedicated to protecting sea turtles and their eggs from poaching while initiating sustainable development and providing a viable alternative economy to poaching in the village.

While the turtles used to be hunted as a food source by inhabitants, a recent increase in poaching has been seriously threatening the population.

However the green sea turtle is also hunted for her meat and shell, with which tortoiseshell objects can be crafted.

[2] The core of the work done by the association is done at night during patrols, when team of volunteers and guides walk the 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) beach.

Upon encountering a nesting turtle, the team guards the surroundings to collect her eggs and fend off poachers.