Help Protect Endangered Sea Turtles in Curacao

Sea turtle conservation in Curacao has reached new heights as the island continues its steadfast commitment to protecting these magnificent marine creatures. With a combination of dedicated individuals, exciting events, and ambitious research plans, Curacao's sea turtle conservation efforts have attracted global attention. Notably, the recent visit of the Royal Dutch Family, the release of a cured turtle by Princess [Name], the introduction of a new board, the commencement of a fresh nesting season, and the return of Ard Vreugdenhil as the field coordinator have invigorated the mission to safeguard these endangered species.

The Royal Dutch Family's Visit:

Curacao's sea turtle conservation project received a tremendous boost when the Royal Dutch Family honored the initiative with their presence. The royal guests recognized the importance of protecting sea turtles and actively participated in various conservation activities. Their visit not only raised awareness about the cause but also highlighted Curacao as a global hub for marine conservation efforts. During the Royal Dutch Family's visit, Princess Amaila had the honor of releasing a cured sea turtle back into the wild. This symbolic act showcased the successful rehabilitation efforts undertaken by the conservation team on Curacao. It also emphasized the importance of individual actions in preserving the natural environment and fostering a sustainable future.

The New Board and Revitalized Vision:

A significant development in Curacao's sea turtle conservation project is the appointment of a new board. Comprised of passionate individuals with diverse backgrounds, the board aims to bring fresh perspectives and strategies to bolster the conservation efforts. Their vision includes expanding educational programs, strengthening community involvement, and enhancing research initiatives to better understand and protect sea turtles in Curacao's waters.

The Commencement of a New Nesting Season:

As the nesting season begins anew, Curacao's sea turtle conservation project eagerly anticipates the arrival of nesting females and the successful hatching of future generations. The conservation team, led by Ard Vreugdenhil, is prepared to monitor and safeguard the nesting beaches, ensuring a safe environment for the turtles to lay their eggs and for the hatchlings to make their way to the sea. This critical phase of the project highlights the collaborative efforts of researchers, volunteers, and local communities, all working towards a common goal of preserving sea turtle populations.

The return of Ard Vreugdenhil as the field coordinator for Curacao's sea turtle conservation project has sparked excitement within the community. Vreugdenhil's vast experience and expertise in sea turtle research and conservation make him a valuable asset to the team. With his leadership, the project aims to implement ambitious research plans focused on understanding the migratory patterns, foraging behavior, and nesting habits of sea turtles in the region. These research initiatives will provide crucial insights for future conservation strategies and help protect the sea turtle populations in Curacao's waters more effectively.

Sea Turtle Conservation Curacao is collaborating with Thomas Jefferson University for research on FP tumors in turtles. The collaboration between conservation organizations and academic institutions is crucial for advancing scientific knowledge and promoting effective conservation efforts. Fibropapillomatosis (FP) is a viral disease that affects sea turtles, particularly green sea turtles. It leads to the development of tumors on the skin, eyes, and internal organs, which can be debilitating and even fatal for the affected turtles. Research on FP tumors is essential for understanding the disease's causes, transmission, and impacts on sea turtle populations. Thomas Jefferson University is renowned for its expertise in biomedical research and its commitment to studying various diseases and finding innovative treatments. Collaborating with such an institution can provide valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms of FP and potentially contribute to developing strategies for its prevention and treatment. By working together, Sea Turtle Conservation Curacao and Thomas Jefferson University can combine their resources, expertise, and research findings to address the challenges associated with FP tumors in sea turtles. This collaboration can enhance our understanding of the disease, support conservation efforts, and contribute to the overall well-being and survival of sea turtle populations.

It's inspiring to see organizations and institutions coming together to protect these majestic creatures and contribute to their conservation.

Links:

• the new website!!

What a year it was!

Halfway the year we started the nesting season with a new/old field manager, Ard Vreugdenhil returned to the project and together we builded a stronger and dedicated team again!

When the nesting turtles showed up, we were trained and ready to receive them, collect all possible data and had exciting encounters. One of the amazing stories is the one of our BlueBay turtle, a hawksbill nesting female, missing a backflipper but with help of the volunteers she made it to lay 5 nests! A total amount of 753 eggs laid by a turtle that was barely able to dig! 

It is with great gratitude that we want to thank you for your support of our efforts to treat and protect sick sea turtles. As an organization focused on the conservation of sea turtles, we recently treated eight sick sea turtles that were suffering from Fibropapilomatosis, a disease that affects sea turtles worldwide. Thanks to your donations and support, we were able to provide these turtles with the care and treatment they needed to recover.

But our work is not yet done. Sea turtles need our help to survive and thrive in the ocean. They are threatened by countless factors, such as habitat loss, pollution, and climate change. And diseases like Fibropapilomatosis continue to pose a threat to their well-being and survival.

We need your help to continue our work and protect sea turtles. The costs of treating and caring for sick sea turtles are enormous, and your donations make it possible to bear these costs and expand our programs. We need your support to continue our work and protect sea turtles.

Would you like to help us treat and protect sick sea turtles? Your donations will help us to continue our programs and to protect these beautiful creatures. All donations, large and small, are welcome and will make a big difference.

We want to thank you again for your support and hope that you will continue to support us in our work to protect and conserve sea turtles.

Sincerely,

Sea Turtle Conservation Curacao