All species of sea turtles are globally threatened. The purpose of the PITMAR is to contribute to its conservation by providing an identification and monitoring system that overcomes the problems of current systems with limitations and drawbacks for the species. It is proposed to develop a computer application for the recognition of sea turtles by means of a non-invasive or traumatic method for the species, photoidentification by means of the cephalic scale pattern, and, given its potential universal use, to promote international collaboration for its control and monitoring by optimizing registration actions during sightings, nesting and rescue.

The PITMAR is based on the hypothesis that each pattern is practically unrepeatable in nature and that, in combination with other data, it allows each specimen of a population of hundreds of thousands of individuals to be individually identified. The photographic data is stored together with other biometric and physiological characteristics, as an exclusive criterion. It can be deployed anywhere in the world with natural populations of sea turtles. The PITMAR is a computer algorithm and a database associated with information, photographs, and history of each specimen that performs the photo-identification work automatically. It is versatile, non-invasive, economical and accessible online from anywhere in the world with an Internet connection. This proposed application has been maturing and refining the necessary criteria for its proper development since 2000, in 2008 when its foundations were presented to the scientific community. Given its free nature, once the computer algorithm has been developed, any collaborating entity and/or person will be able to use it from anywhere in the world, with no other limitation than a digital camera and Internet connection, to collaborate by entering the photos, even from mobile terminals.

The PITMAR is protected by a Notarial Act of recognition of intellectual property in favor of the Neotropic Foundation. Once operational, it will be made available to the scientific community, conservation entities and governments around the world. Together with its potential as a conservation tool and taking advantage of the use of ICTs, PITMAR will serve as a platform for research and education. Throughout the implementation of the project, international alliances will be promoted between professionals, scientists, public and private entities to develop conservation and research projects for the protection of sea turtles, but it will also be a valuable tool for public education.