Volunteer: In-Water Sea Turtle Conservation Placement in Costa Rica

Location: Barra de Pacuare, Caribbean Coast, Costa Rica

Duration: Minimum 3 months commitment (or 7 days as a volunteer)

Cost: from $10 USD per day

Fee Includes: all food, accommodation, pre-departure + in-country support, orientation and all project related activities

Does not Include: flights, travel insurance, personal spending, visas and vaccinations

Benefits

• Collect data about population structure, genetic origin and in-water habitats of endangered sea turtles.
• Hands-on experience in conservation efforts, including options for research, environmental education and community projects.
• Ideal for those studying animal science, marine biology, zoology, ecology, conservation.
• Keywords: sea turtle research and conservation, environmental education, reforestation, eco-systems
  
  

Please note: This opportunity is designed to give you the contacts and experience to help further your career. You are not replacing any member of staff, but helping alongside them, whilst learning new skills. Simply click the APPLY Button to submit your application, and ask as many questions as you need.

Introduction

The Dulce Gulf, meaning the Sweet Gulf is located off the Osa peninsula, one of 25 biodiversity hotspots worldwide. In fact, the Dulce Gulf is one of only four tropical fjords in existence. Yet very little is known about this place and its inhabitants, which include macaws, monkeys, dolphins, whales and of course sea turtles. This astoundingly beautiful area is the home of this important In-water Sea Turtle Conservation programme. The international NGO running this project has been working for over two decades together with scientists, conservationists and educators to promote sustainable sea turtle projects in the wider Caribbean region.

The project focuses on carrying out in-water studies of the Hawksbill and Eastern Pacific Green Turtles. Because of the unique biological characteristics of sea turtles, the marine conservation efforts surrounding them is very complex, challenging to predict and requires a long-term commitment. The goal of this project is to protect and help the turtles while at the same time educating and involving the local community, which in turn will generate an alternative and sustainable source of income for local families.

Sea turtles spend a large part of their long lives migrating between nesting and foraging areas. These foraging areas often include both young and adult turtles, as they can sometimes also be habitats for nesting. As a result, the quality of these areas is of critical importance. Despite this, very little is in fact known about the habitats and their use, since most conservation efforts are focused solely on nesting beaches. The in-water studies consist of entering feeding habitat used by sea turtles in different life stages to collect data about population structure, genetic origin, health status and in-water habitat use. This data is used to assess the types of threats to whichsea turtles are exposed to in the area.

This project also runs a rescue and rehabilitation centre, as well as a mangrove reforestation effort. Studies are also carried out on the health of the off-shore sea grass bed, which is an important feeding habitat for many species, turtles included.

Please note: all information above is subject to change. Please check the most up to date information on the Global Nomadic website when applying. Simply follow the link on the Apply Button above.