Volunteer in the Caribbean and take part in leatherback sea turtle monitoring, research, and community outreach programmes on the island of Grenada. Featured on ITV's series "Secret Caribbean" with Sir Trevor McDonald.

You can volunteer with sea turtles for 3 weeks up to 12 weeks from March to August every year. We have places all throughout 2014 available.

Individuals, groups and students doing research all welcome.

The Project 

Research Assistant Leatherback Sea Turtle Volunteer Programme

• Night patrols of the main leatherback sea turtle nesting site
• Flipper tagging of unmarked females
• Data collection – carapace (shell) measurements, egg counts, nest relocation
• Morning surveys (on foot) of adjacent beaches
• Nest excavations
• Maintenance and preparation of research equipment
• Summer camp organisation and participation
• Carnival ‘Turtle Mas’ camp – costume design and creation
• Assisting with organised sea turtle watches for school/community groups & tourists
• Camp maintenance and cleaning
• Cooking 

Background

As we move into the 21st Century, marine turtles continue to face the foreboding prospect of extinction.  Legal and illegal fisheries, incidental by-catch, loss of habitat and the harvesting of eggs have all contributed to the demise of sea turtle species throughout the Caribbean region and the entire globe.  Working together with local communities, government departments and international and regional organisations, Ocean Spirits are working to ensure that the spectacle of a nesting or foraging turtle remains a key component of Grenada's uniquely vibrant biodiversity.

• Provide hands-on field experience with the world’s largest sea turtle - Research Assistants are not just observers but active members of the research team.
• Directly help the reduction of illegal egg poaching activities - the presence of nightly research patrols has reduced this threat by more than 60%.
• Contribute to the preservation of Grenada’s turtles through local educational events.
• Increase community participation – The very presence of Research Assistants coming to Grenada to volunteer with sea turtles generates local interest in marine turtles and the significance of Grenada’s coastline to these species.

Despite adverse weather conditions and long working hours the collection of general population and individual specific information is the programmes highest priority. Without this insistence of a scientifically rigorous approach our data would not be considered robust enough on which to base serious resource management recommendations that we may make. For that reason, you must be able to adhere to strict scientific guidelines to participate in this sea turtle volunteer programme.

The Ocean Spirits Summer Camps (July/August) are focused on environmental issues and personal development with a heavy emphasis on hands-on activities (e.g. trial SCUBA, organic chocolate factory (solar powered), organic banana plantation, internet lessons etc). We aim to nurture their genuine interest and encourage these future stewards of Grenada to act responsibly with regards to their environment. You will be required to contribute towards summer camp programme events, preparation and assist in the day-to-day running of the camps. The cultural differences between the Caribbean and Western cultures make this experience and education for you too. You do not have to be a teacher, or have had any training or extensive knowledge of the environment (we have plenty of material to help with this); you need to be confident and prepared to help the students on a one to one basis and at group level. It is hard work – but great fun!

It may seem like an excuse for a party, but our community relationships have been successfully built upon ‘doing the Grenadian ting’! Each year (August), Grenada like all the other Caribbean islands, have a Carnival. In 2004, Ocean Spirits took its turn by playing ‘Turtle Mas’ in the local villages. Alongside designing amazing turtle costumes and banners, the team and local fishermen danced their way through the night, bringing the problems of egg poaching to the communities in a culturally specific way. It was a major success and while it will take some planning and organisation, this year will again give us a chance to enjoy the celebrations with the communities we work with and contribute in a very positive way to the future conservation of sea turtles and their eggs in the area. Be prepared for paper mache, paint and lots of glitter!

Additional details

For more information regarding this opportunity, please visit the main project page here, or contact Vicky McNeil here. The application form can be found here, though it is advised that applicants express interest before applying, in order to discuss personal situations.