A decline in tourist numbers has "come to the aid" of these rare animals. Researchers at the Phuket (Thailand) Marine Biological Center have been greatly heartened by the return of turtles to local beaches. Prior to the start of the pandemic, the coastal regions in question had been overrun by tourists, which negatively affected the animals' living conditions. Over the last year, it has been evident that the turtles are slowly returning. Between October 2020 and February 2021, 18 nests of leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) were found in Phuket. The following season has also been successful - in November 2021, more than 100 turtle eggs were discovered, from which a new generation is expected to hatch.