When SOS started in 2000, our main goal was to provide a strong nesting beach patrol presence in the Courland Bay area in response to the rampant illegal slaughter of nesting leatherback turtles. Through regular consistent beach patrols, the poaching situation has improved in this area and our focus has broadened to include more scientific research and monitoring, both on these and other nesting beaches and at sea. The success of these activities is very much dependent on the involvement, not just of our patrollers and volunteers, but also the tour guides, residents, tourists and beachfront hotels, so our Education and Eco-Tourism programs play essential supporting roles.