In September 2007, the World Conservation Union awarded the Programa Restauración de Tortugas Marinas (PRETOMA) with an Honorable Mention for its campaign against illegal shark finning in Costa Rica. The honorable mention was done in the framework of the IUCN's "Premio Antorcha Ambiental" or Environmental Torch Award, given to environmental organizations to recognize their influence on environmental policy.

PRETOMA's president Randall Arauz has been STRP's voice in Costa Rica for nearly 20 years. Visit the website.

"On behalf of the entire PRETOMA team, we appreciate this gesture from the IUCN, and it encourages us to continue working towards the completion of our mission and objectives," declared Randall Arauz, President of PRETOMA. "I would also like to thank the Costa Rican public and our supporters around the world, who have supported our work tremendously; support without which it would have been difficult to achieve these political successes."

PRETOMA's mission is to protect sea turtles, sharks and their habitats, and was chosen by the Environmental Torch Award selection committee to receive an Honorable Mention for its project, "Responsible Shark Fishing in Costa Rica," that has been centered around fighting illegal shark finning since 2001, and has had a substantial positive environmental impact in the region.