Sponsor Turtle Tagging - Earthwatch
Leatherback turtles are critically endangered, suffering from poaching, habitat loss, and the effects of ocean pollution. To ensure that this charismatic species is not lost forever, it is essential that their health and habitats are monitored to develop conservation policies to protect the ocean areas where turtles are found.
The main procedure for monitoring sea turtles is through conducting surveys at nesting beaches, during which turtles are measured, weighed, and tagged. Tagging enables us to monitor the turtle's movement beyond their nest. If we know where turtles travel, we can ensure these areas are suitably protected. Turtle tagging is therefore crucial for the protection of these valuable marine creatures.
Dr. Dennis Sammy, one of Earthwatch's expert sea turtle scientists, has been the coordinator of the Turtle Tagging Project at Matura Beach, Trinidad for the last six years. This turtle monitoring and conservation programme works to protect the second largest nesting colony of leatherback turtles in the world.
Dr. Frank Paladino, Earthwatch scientist and leatherback turtle expert.
Without the support of Earthwatch over the past 15 years, I believe that the leatherback turtles would already be extinct in the Pacific.
DONATION MINIMUM £5 PER MONTH
This donation would allow for the tagging and monitoring of 12 turtles a year.
The donation would be used on either Dr. Sammy's project in Trinidad or Dr. Paladino's project in Costa Rica.
Not only is turtle tagging essential for monitoring the movements and habits of sea turtles to allow for their protection, these tagging programmes have also created employment for members of the local community and are educating people about the importance of protecting sea turtle populations.
In Return
You will be welcomed into the growing international Earthwatch community and can take pride in the knowledge that you are supporting vital ocean research and the protection of a charismatic and endangered species.
This sponsorship opportunity can be given as a gift.
