Problem

Sea turtles are threatened by recreational fishing, development, local cultural practices, and other human impacts. Several species are seriously endangered and some turtles are quickly dwindling to near extinction. Tagging and collecting data on sea turtles in Bahia Magdalena, Mexico is necessary to develop effective conservation plans. Your contribution will help protect these species and their habitats.

The Gift

In order to conserve sea turtles, it is necessary to monitor their breeding grounds, migration routes, population and mortality numbers, among many other data. Student and faculty research teams at The School for Field Studies Center for Coastal Studies in Baja California Sur use tag and release techniques to monitor turtles throughout the year and collect data in order to develop conservation plans for their protection. Supplies used for tag and release, often done at night and on boats, include: nets, biological tags, calipers, scales, measuring tapes, and flashlights. Your gift will provide SFS students and faculty with the tools they need for a full semester’s work. Our efforts to tag and monitor sea turtles will provide the relevant data needed to create conservation plans and establish marine protected areas for turtles.