The seven species of sea turtles we have today have been around for over 110 million years. For some, it is surprising to hear that six of those seven sea turtle species are endangered. It is no wonder that sea turtle conservation has become a worldwide phenomenon. As with all living things, sea turtles play an important role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. Like regular lawn mowing, sea turtles help to keep grass beds healthy with their constant grazing. Grass beds need to be cut short in order for them to continue expanding across the ocean floor. Seagrass beds act as breeding grounds for many species of underwater creatures. If sea turtles go extinct, seagrass beds will go abandoned, while a number of fish and crustaceans are left with no place to breed, causing a decline in marine life.
In addition, sea turtles provide beaches and dunes with necessary nutrients which they would otherwise not be able to get. Therefore, the little vegetation which grows on dunes are grown because of the nutrients provided by sea turtles. Every year, sea turtles lay hundreds of eggs per nest, and about three to seven nests per season. Not all of the eggs will hatch, and those that don’t provide an excellent source of nutrients which allow stronger vegetation to grow on the dunes. This vegetation keeps the beach sand in place to protect it from erosion. Therefore, sea turtle conservation is important for the marine and beach/dune ecosystems.
What Can I do to Help?
Sea turtles are prominent along the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific oceans. For many cultures, sea turtles are a common protein in meals, and many of those same people do not understand how they are harming the environment. For many, it is a means of survival, so cultural sensitivity is important. However, there are ways to be culturally sensitive, while still actively working to protect these unique creatures.
Volunteer programs allow participants to become active in sea turtle conservation. Along these coastlines, local projects have been put into place which help to protect the native species. Many of these projects are happy to take volunteers who are passionate and ready to work hard, as their efforts are usually underfunded. Volunteers work alongside an expert–local biologists and researchers who work closely to manage the nesting grounds. Volunteers partake in nightly beach patrols to ensure hatcheries are safe from poachers, tag turtles for data, relocate nests into protective hatcheries, help to clean beaches, and record findings. Some outreach work might be available at volunteer sites to educate locals about the status of sea turtles and why conservation work is important.
How Can I Get Involved?
Seek a volunteer program with a credible reputation. You can usually find reviews from past participants online, and customer service representatives should be available to answer any and all questions. Volunteer packages often include in-country support, airport pick up, homestays, and a number of meals. The longer you choose to volunteer, the better the program rates. Maximo Nivel has turtle conservation programs in Costa Rica and Guatemala–two locations with a strong background in environmental conservation.
When is the Best Time for Turtle Conservation?
Sea turtle conservation programs are available year-round. However, nesting seasons vary. If you have more interest in volunteering directly with the project by improving the facilities and administration, any time is a great time to get started! But I know many people have interest in working directly with the sea turtles, and therefore knowing the nesting season is important.
Costa Rica is home to four of the seven species and each has it’s own nesting season and beach. The Olive Ridley and Leatherback turtles can both be found on the Pacific coast with the nesting season from September- October, and July-September, respectively. Green turtles, leatherback, hawksbill, and loggerhead sea turtles can all be found on the Caribbean Coast. Peak seasons vary depending on the beach, but you can expect turtle action between July-October, and again from March-July.
Guatemala is also home to the same four of seven sea turtles; Green turtles, Olive Ridley, Hawksbill and Leatherback. The Hawksbill and Leatherback are considered critically endangered. Nesting season is between June and November, and can be guaranteed to see turtles laying eggs, or hatchlings.