Research Assistant opportunities to:
- 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 working on the programme generates local interest in marine turtles and the significance of Grenada’s coastline to these species.
Grenada - the Spice Isle
Known as the Spice Isle because of its’ high production of nutmeg, Grenada is a small volcanic island, 21 miles by 12 with a population of 90,000. It has many beaches along its indented coastline, lush rainforest in the interior and remains one of the least spoilt of the Caribbean islands. It also plays host to one of the major leatherback sea turtle nesting sites in the Caribbean with hundreds of nests laid each year. In 2009, 875 nests were laid on Levera beach and in 2010, 645 nests were laid - this is Grenada’s main nesting site and where the majority of our research takes place. The beach is only 700m in length which makes it an ideal research site, with high density nesting (10+ activities per night during peak season).
Ocean Spirits
Ocean Spirits is a registered, non-profit marine conservation organisation based in Grenada. From its inception in 1999, Ocean Spirits have focused primarily on the conservation of marine turtles found throughout Grenada's coastal waters and beaches. As a member and the Country Co-ordinator of the Wider Caribbean Sea Turtle Network (WIDECAST) for Grenada, we work at a national and regional level, with support and expert advice which ensures we are continually striving to meet universal, conservational objectives and make valid contributions to the international scientific community.
As a result of the tagging programme, we have documented the interchange of tagged turtles from neighbouring islands (and one from Panama, more than 1,200 miles away!) and vice versa; this information is vital when we consider the varying legislations and international boundaries this species cross during their lifetime. In addition to our tagging programme, satellite studies have shown seasonal migrations back to feeding grounds in the cooler waters as far a field as Canada, the UK and West Africa.
Today, more than 10 years later, we operate an extensive research programme; manage a nation wide education initiative that was implemented in secondary schools across Grenada in 2005 and continually develop the idea that there are no better stewards of Grenada's turtles than the communities that have historically relied upon them.
In early 2009, Sir Trevor Macdonald and ITV (UK television) filmed Ocean Spirits at work - and the programme "Secret Caribbean" was aired on ITV1 throughout 2009 and 2010.
2011 Research Assistant Volunteer Programme
Duties will include:
Night patrols of the main leatherback 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 turtle watches for school/community groups & tourists
Camp maintenance and cleaning
Cooking
Dates - 3 week projects
2011 Dates:
5th to 26th March (6 places)
26th March to 16th April (5 places)
16th April to 7th May (5 places)
7th May to 28th May (6 places)
28th May to 18th June (6 places)
18th June to 9th July (5 places)
9th July to 30th July (6 places)
30th July to 20th August (6 places)
Project durations are for 3 weeks, but there are possibilities to join for 6, 9 or 12 weeks for experienced volunteers/research projects - please email: Victoria.McNeil@workingabroad.com for more details on this or about the possibilities for alternate placement durations. Please note, the price for longer durations is discounted on the standard 3 week placement. Can be flexible with dates.
The nesting period for leatherbacks is from March – July. During this period you will spend the majority of your time conducting field research and assisting with turtle watches.
Those participating in July/August will focus on Morning Surveys, nest excavations and hatchling release, summer camps and Carnival. NB Night patrols will cease once nesting numbers drop at some point in July. Sporadic night patrols may then take place as we also encounter hawksbill turtles nesting at Levera.
Food and accommodation
You will be based in the picturesque north east of the Island. The area is a windswept piece of paradise, which boasts a number of uninhabited offshore islands surrounded by coral reefs teeming with life. The accommodation comprises of a solid concrete built house, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a large balcony with incredible views across the outer islands and Carriacou. Sleeping arrangements are single sex rooms, with beds/futons and pillows provided. Linen and towels are not provided. The house has a fridge/freezer, gas cooker, telephone (outgoing calls are for project related needs only, you can receive incoming calls), 220 & 110V electricity supply. There is a fan in each room (no A/C); mosquito nets are not provided but if you react badly to bites you may wish to bring one with you.
Everybody will get the chance to demonstrate their culinary expertise! Cooking will be rotated and meals are prepared using seasonal, local produce (shopping is done in the nearby town of Sauteurs, food variations are limited e.g. cheese is cheddar - we have many recipes available). All food is vegetarian*; breakfast and lunch are 'help yourself'. Dinner is a cooked meal and is a social affair, attended by everyone on the project. *For those who cannot do without meat, past volunteers have chipped in to buy chicken etc and cook it in addition to the vegetarian evening meal.
Type of Research Assistant Volunteers needed
Age 18+ years
Willing to work in all weather conditions and keep smiling!
Ability to walk 2-3 miles on soft sand in the heat
Previous experience is not necessary as training will be provided
A good team player
Costs
The cost for a 3 week placement is £895. This includes quality accommodation, food, airport transfer (one pick-up scheduled for 6pm at Point Salines International Airport, Grenada on first day of placement), training and supervision; project t-shirts and WorkingAbroad Projects backup and placement support.
For details on the programme, please visit: http://www.workingabroad.com/page/24/ocean-spirits-grenada.htm or email Victoria.McNeil@workingabroad.com
