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Project Description

Participant volunteers have helped CCC's research and conservation efforts in Tortuguero for over 50 years. You can continue that tradition by assisting CCC's sea turtle biologists tag and measure turtles, count eggs, mark nests, record data, conduct morning nest surveys, track surveys and nest inventories. Additional details and photos.

The black sand beach of Tortuguero draws the largest nesting population of green turtles, Chelonia mydas, in the Atlantic Ocean. Green turtles have been hunted for centuries for their meat and eggs, which are considered delicacies. They are still hunted extensively in some areas, although this is illegal throughout the world.

All sea turtle eggs are considered delicacies, believed by many cultures to be aphrodisiacs. Marine pollution, incidental capture in shrimp nets and habitat destruction also threaten sea turtles. All sea turtle species are declining. Of the seven species of sea turtles six are listed as endangered and one as threatened.

CCC studies have solved many of the mysteries of green turtle reproductive ecology and behavior. Long-term tagging at Tortuguero during the nesting months of June to November each year facilitates monitoring of the nesting population to evaluate the survival status of the species. You will work with nesting turtles weighing up to 350 pounds and measuring 3 to 4 feet in length. Participants will work in teams with researchers to help tag and record data about the nesting turtles. The presence of tagging teams on the beach also acts as a strong deterrent to poachers and egg collectors. Nightly research is conducted in two shifts, 8 pm - 12 am and 12 am - 4 am.

How can I join this project?

To ensure your place:
1) Submit the Online Registration Form or call CCC at (800) 678-7853 for initial registration, confirmation of dates, and contact number for travel information.
2) Secure your reservation with a $200 deposit as soon as possible.

To reserve your place in one of the above research sessions, contact Caribbean Conservation Corporation directly as soon as possible by phone or email or our convenient online form.