The Association for the Protection of the Environment and the Marine Turtle in Southern Baja (ASUPMATOMA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection of the endangered sea turtles of Baja California Sur, Mexico, and to the overall environmental sustainability of Los Cabos’ beautiful beaches, lands and surrounding communities.

Founded more than 18 years ago by René Pinal, a prominent real estate investor and conservationist in Cabo San Lucas and a team of biologists and local residents, ASUPMATOMA provides research, activities and programs to preserve endangered sea turtle populations in the Sea of Cortez, as well as educate the public about the various environmental issues affecting the region.

Each year, tens of thousands of sea turtles and sea turtle eggs, as well as several other species in the Sea of Cortez, are destroyed due to rapid coastal land development, irresponsible fishing and hunting practices, and pollution.

At Pinal’s Rancho Punta San Cristobal estate, a 2,000-acre natural reserve located 15 minutes north of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico ASUPMATOMA has already saved tens of thousands of sea turtles in the wild and hundreds of thousands of baby sea turtle hatchlings along Los Cabos’ beaches.  Additionally, Pinal’s natural lands protect more than 17 other species in the area, some which are also endangered.

Through the generous contributions of sponsors and volunteers, including Dr. Scott Eckert at Hubb's Sea World Research Institute, the Mexico National Institute of Fisheries represented by M.C. Laura Sarti, the Westin Regina Hotel, and many others, ASUPMATOMA provides various research activities and educational programs for the public, including sea turtle research activities that take place at a sea turtle sanctuary in Rancho San Cristobal, ecological tours of the Pinal family’s Rancho Punta San Cristobal estate and ASUPMATOMA’s sea turtle sanctuary, as well as a variety of volunteer and sponsorship opportunities.