It is the mission of the Caribbean Conservation Corporation to ensure the survival of sea turtles within the Wider Caribbean basin and Atlantic through research, education, training, advocacy and protection of the natural habitats upon which they depend.

To maximize effectiveness, CCC’s mission focuses solely on protecting sea turtles and their habitats because these ancient reptiles are important indicators of the health of the world’s marine and coastal ecosystems. For example, sea turtles are one of the few animals to eat sea grass, acting as a grazing animal that maintains the health of sea grass beds. These beds are important breeding and developmental grounds for many species of fish, shellfish and crustaceans. Sea turtle eggs also provide nutrients for stronger and healthier dune vegetation. Stronger vegetation and root systems help to hold the sand in dunes and help protect the beach from erosion. Through research, CCC has been able to identify key threats to sea turtle survival that are addressed through a multi-faceted approach. By conducting research, educating the public and advocating on behalf of these endangered species, CCC is achieving success in recovering key sea turtle populations. CCC’s five-decade-long research and monitoring program in Costa Rica has recorded a 400% increase in sea turtle nesting since the 1970s. It is this comprehensive, long-term approach to research and conservation that is helping sea turtle populations rebound.

CCC was established in 1959 to further the work of Dr. Archie Carr, a world-renowned sea turtle biologist. Dr. Carr’s research and conservation work in Tortuguero, Costa Rica, began a global movement to protect endangered sea turtles and work toward reducing threats to their survival. CCC's research efforts, expanded to several other locations over the past five decades, have provided much of what is known about the reproductive ecology and migratory habits of sea turtles. Today, research at Tortuguero continues as the longest program of its kind. Under the leadership of CCC, Tortuguero sea turtle nesting trends reveal that the green turtle population has increased by 400% since 1970s. CCC also engages in education, advocacy and works to protect sea turtle habitat throughout the world.