In 2002, the planning phase of the project was completed, to plan and determine the amount of funding required for full project implementation. Financial support was provided by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Firedoll Foundation for this activity. Concepto Visual Integrado, an architectural consulting group, was hired to work with ASCIENPE and STC in the preparation of an integrated social, technical and economic feasibility study and pre-proposal. Beneficiary groups participated in the planning process via consultative meetings. The resulting master plan recommendations and funding requirements.

The Costa Rica government is promoting growth of the tourism industry for Limón and is supportive of this and other projects to aid the area’s fishers. The development of a successful model for non-consumptive use of sea turtles through ecotourism by an endemic group of fishermen in Limón could prove replicable in sister communities along the Caribbean coast where turtles are subject to considerable hunting pressure.