The Management and Sustainable Use of Eretmochelys imbricata Programme started in 1996, and differs from previous programmes from its rigorous methodology and implements additional legal protection.

The different levels of management implemented for this species in its range are widely different in many aspects (Groombridge and Luxmoore, 1989). Usually, the species is affected by traditional use for subsistence, followed by a domestic use, and international trade, supported by a protective legislation to control or limit its commercial use.

Management procedures in Cuba vary from other range countries as:

1) Capture of wild specimens is strictly controlled, and there is an institutional frame in place to implement any necessary corrective action

2) Data collection is integrated in the management regime

3) The State is in charge of collecting operations.

Under the present management programme, monitoring of wild populations is deeply related to the traditional hunting programme, the monitoring of nests and shells, ensuring control on each shell of E. imbricata from the traditional hunting spots to the governmental stocking facilities (in Cojimar), where they will await to be exported.