It lies on a peninsula between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gabon Estuary, across which boats sail to Libreville.
Recent studies by Dr Sharon Deem, formerly of the Wildlife Conservation Society, note that the worldwide turtle population is being threatened by man's activities.
Man-made artificial lights at night disorientate the female turtles during laying season as well as the hatchlings trying to find their way to the water.
Turtles often mistake plastic bags in the water for jellyfish, their principal food source, and die if they ingest them.
Wildebeest are found in the area, as well as a diverse population of monkeys, birds, snakes and other reptiles.