Costa Rica Sea Turtle Rescue

About the program

Volunteer work will usually run from 7:30 am-3:00 pm each day.

Globe Aware volunteers will collaborate with a grassroots organization established in 2010. This organization has formed a network comprising biologists, managers, community leaders, and educators from over 40 nations and territories. Their joint commitment is to achieve an integrated, regional capacity for the recovery and sustainable management of depleted sea turtle populations in the coastal regions of Costa Rica.

Presently, knowledge of local sea turtle populations is limited, especially concerning genetic origin, population structure, and in-water habitat usage. This scarcity of information necessitates further research.

The main focus will be on two species: the Hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) and the Pacific Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas), also known as the Black sea turtle.

Monitoring and tagging efforts must continue to gain a better understanding of different size classes, their roles in coral reefs, different habitat uses, and health status. This will include different tasks in four different working areas.

In-Water Monitoring:

Foraging sea turtles are mainly found in shallow waters. By sampling the Golfo Dulce, it is possible to gain information on the demographic structure of the population, such as an abundance of immature turtles, male and non-breeding females, and their behavior. Volunteers may assist scientists and research assistants with collecting data.

Rescue and Rehabilitation Center:

Weak sea turtles are taken to the field rescue center at the project site. Volunteers may help with water changing, tank cleaning, restraining the turtle, and assisting with recording scientific data.

Mangrove Reforestation Program:

Mangroves play a very important role in the coastal ecosystems of the Golfo Dulce. Not only are they benefitting fishes, birds, invertebrates, and humans, but also sea turtles. Since the majority of the mangrove forests along the coast of Playa Blanca have been destroyed, a reforestation program was put into place to help restore some of the populations.

Volunteers may help with the collection of seeds and sowing, gathering mud, planting, or nursery maintenance.

Sea Grass Monitoring:

Seagrass beds are a crucial reason why we can find sea turtles in the Golfo Dulce. Not only do they provide food for the green turtles but they also provide ecosystem services that rank among the highest of all ecosystems on earth. Volunteers may assist with detailed research to help assess and monitor the seagrass.

Also volunteers may participate in regular beach clean-ups.

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Requirements

Participants must be 18 or older to sign up or have an older guardian accompany them for this volunteer vacation. Swimming ability is required, basic Spanish skills are a plus.

The project is in a rural community. The surrounding communities are small and traditional, they may appear basic from what you are used to. You must be able to live in hot, humid conditions. Speaking basic Spanish is a plus.

While no specific skills are needed, other than the ability to swim. You must be in good physical condition (preferably able to lift 50 lbs) and be able to work hard. Work continues, rain or shine. Methods like taking tissue or blood samples might appear rough and painful for the turtle. If you do not like to see blood or want to handle a turtle with the needed strength, please do not register for this program.

Working hours in marine conservation projects and schedules vary and can change according to the situation, available material, the weather, the tides, or even the turtles. Your exact schedule is coordinated by an on-site biologist and is normally done a couple of weeks in advance.

Expect to spend ample time under the sun, in the water, and immersed in mud during your activities.

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Leisure Activities

Enjoy the lush and tropical surroundings of your project site, and feel free to explore the local villages and fishing areas.

Cultural Activities Included:

• Cooking Lesson
• Crafts with local women's recycling coop
• Bird watching expedition
• Private workshops on sea turtles and ecology

Optional Leisure Activities ( with an additional payment):

• Chocolate Farm
• Kayaking
• Corcovado National Park