By Daniela Moeller | Project leader
Sea turtles spend the maximum of their life span in the ocean, using different marine habitats for different stages in their lives. Their migration patterns make it difficult to access and to monitor the species in their natural habitats. Present existing threats increase the pressure on sea turtle populations, and require a holistic conservation program. It is therefore essential to understand marine resources and foraging ground utilized by green and hawksbill turtles in Osa in order to develop a conservation plan for the future. LAST addresses those needs at the In-Water Project at Playa Blanca, conducting habitat studies, operating a rescue center for rehab, reforesting mangroves and monitoring sea grass beds. Volunteers who participate in the project stay with local families and generate a financial benefit to the small local community. We have launched the first online fundraising campaign in September 2015 through Global Giving to be able to improve the rescue center facilities at Playa Blanca. Since then, donors from all over the world have supported this cause and ensured that important equipment could be delivered to treat and evaluate sea turtles in need.
How Donors make a positive change:
We have been able to buy important material and equipment for rehabilitation and research and have received the great amount of 6473 USD up to today. 140 engaged and sea turtle friendly donors have put their monetary efforts into our campaign wanting to save the endangered. Since the last report we were anxiously waiting for the purchase of an adequate treatment table. Now it is done and it will allow to manipulate the specimens in a professional way. The 200 USD stainless steel table will serve for body evaluations, treatments and necropsies. 200 USD were spent for the all-important latex gloves, 350 USD for waterproof survey paper and water thermometers. 550 USD bought us a water quality test that helps ensure the optimum water quality needed for turtles kept in a tank. 2 new super quality wheelbarrows are being used now for a safe transportation of sea turtles, and if needed for monitoring equipment. Volunteers are crucial to our conservation program, as they provide manpower for work activities and assist in sea turtle care and habitat studies. Everyone needs to be prepared at any time to jump into the boat and rescue sea turtles, as at times stranding can occur. 1500 USD were invested in life jackets and boat repair to guarantee safety for all. This year 2016, our team at Playa Blanca conducted 18 surveys so far, with 15 volunteers helping to take data. 9 hawksbill and 8 green turtles have been evaluated, eight re-captures indicated that there was no incident of re-grow of parasites! Nine new individuals have been tagged.
Remember the hawksbill study in the Dulce Gulf, a project of Estefania, a veterinarian and marine biology student? She was working on stable isotopes to investigate the habitat use of the critically endangered eastern pacific hawksbill turtles. The studies aim to gain knowledge about the health status of the population, to determine migration patterns and time spent in foraging grounds, based on components of the turtle’s diet. We are delighted to announce that we could send 50 blood samples of the examined species to the laboratory Albeitar (800 USD). The results are expected very soon and will bring important insights about this specific sea turtle, its preferred diet and habitat – a milestone in sea turtle conservation for the Dulce Gulf in Osa. This research benefits to comprehend the trophic ecology of these species. Evidence on where and what sea turtles eat is key to preserve the locations they use mainly and for risk assessment of human caused threats, like by catch in fisheries or pollution.
Next steps:
The Global Giving campaign has been crucial so far for the advancement of our rescue center and expanded conservation activities. Essential equipment for sea turtle rehabilitation and the ability to conduct further population studies as well as sending 50 blood samples to the laboratory will bring our efforts on a new level – and another step closer to our main goal: Establish solid conservation measures for the region, based on our research and collected data to reduce threats to the critically endangered hawksbill and endangered green turtle significantly. The next report will publish the main results of the hawksbill turtle studies. Our vision is, to work closely with small scale fisheries, helping to create a turtle friendly alternative income, raising awareness about marine life and the importance of the ecosystems of the Dulce Gulf in Osa! There are only 487 USD missing to achieve our fundraising goal. We dearly hope to succeed soon – please feel free to share our cause with your friends and family. Sea turtles will be thankful!
With lots of gratitude,
LAST team in Costa Rica
Links:
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