Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTM Research Reserve) is dedicated to the conservation of natural biodiversity and cultural resources through research and monitoring to guide science-based stewardship and education strategies.

GTM NERR marine turtle team patrols 7.7 miles of beach which is comprised of two segments: Guana River South and Guana Tolomato Matanzas NERR ("North Beach”).

Guana River South is a 3.5-mile stretch of beach bordered by private homes and rental properties. The only public access is via the gas station south of the GTM NERR entrance at 505 Guana River Road. North Beach is a 4.2-mile stretch of remote beach with three public access points. Both beaches conduct State Nesting Beach Surveys (SNBS) but only the North Beach participates in the Index Beach Nesting Survey (INBS).