Turtle Foundation - Cabo Verde

Great video on sea turtles and the ocean, and "citizen science"

2012-03-07T03:32:00.003-02:00

This is a wonderful video featuring one of my heroes, Wallace "J." Nichols, talking about sea turtles and how they are emblematic of all the threats to our oceans, and examples of "citizen science", where local communities with a stake in their own resources are helping to collect research on sea turtles and helping to protect them:

You Tube: Wallace "J" Nichols: Sea Turtles and Citizen Science

Oh, and I'll throw in this picture of me and J. Nichols at the Marine Turtle Symposium last year:

Villagers stop construction on Loggerhead nesting beach in Turkey

2012-03-07T01:52:00.001-02:00

The governor of the Southern province of Antalya stopped controversial construction works at the world famous Çıralı Beach yesterday.

Villagers have been protesting the rental process and construction works of the 18-acre land for the last 10 days.

Governor Ahmet Altıparmak said he decided to stop construction until the court gives a verdict. “If lawlessness is the matter in question here, then lawbreakers must be put on trial,” Altıparmak said.
Çıralı Beach is known for its logger-headed turtles, a species that is on the verge of extinction according to environmental organizations.

Villagers say the renting process was controversial and was opposed both by nongovernmental organizations and locals of the area.

A football team, called “Orman Sport Club,” signed a rental contract with the Antalya Regional General Directorate of Forestry to rent the land for 10 years by paying 5,000 Turkish Liras. On the same day the team handed the land tenure for 55,000 Turkish Liras to a hotel management firm.

This ambiguous situation forced the villagers to take steps against the deal, said Hediye Gündüz, the chairwoman of the Nature Conservation Association of Turkey. “This region hosts 18 different endemic plant species, 500-years-old pine trees and logger-headed turtles, which annually deposit their eggs here. What is going to happen now? The villagers are standing guard here 24-hours a day to hinder any harm to the environment. We are all waiting for the cancellation of the project,” Gündüz said.

Original article in Hurriyet daily news: http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/governer-responds-to-villagers-protest.

U.S. 8-year old seeks support to save sea turtles

2012-03-06T01:43:00.000-02:00

If you're able, please take just a minute and sign this petition that Cameron Koporc, a U.S. 2nd grader, has started to outlaw mass balloon releases in the state of Georgia. Please share with others who may share her passion for our land and marine wildlife. She is seeking signatures from individuals in all 50 states and around the world. To sign the petition, go to: Petition to make mass balloon releases illegal

Illegal trade of sea turtle shell products in Tanjung Benoa, Bali

2012-03-03T05:00:00.000-02:00

Tanjung Benoa, Bali was notorious as the hub of the illegalsea turtle trade in Indonesia. In 1999, ProFauna Indonesia (a seaturtle conservation group and partner with Turtle Foundation) launched itsinvestigation report revealing that 9,000 turtles were slaughtered within 4months in Bali. Responding to the report, between 2000 and 2002 the authoritieshad conducted confiscation operations and law enforcement on the illegal trade.

What is the condition of the trade in the island between2011 and early 2012? Since the massive enforcement operations, the trade hasbeen decreasing drastically but it has not stopped. ProFauna records show thaton 5th July 2011, the Marine Police of Bali seized 18 green turtles (Cheloniamydas) about to be smuggled to Tanjung Benoa. In conclusion, sea turtletrade in Bali still happens secretly and in very organized ways.

What canyou do?

Do not visit the tourism places exploiting sea turtle likePulau Penyu (Sea Turtle Island) in Tanjung Benoa, Bali.
Do not buy sea turtle shell jewelry and souvenirs.

Send a letter and/or email to encourage thegovernment to enforce the law to curb the illegal trade of the sea turtle shelljewelry and souvenirs in Pulau Penyu, Tanjung Benoa. Send your letter to thefollowing:

BaliGovernor, Made Mangku Pastika

Jl. Basuki Rahmat Nitimandala Denpasar Bali Indonesia

Tel. (+62361) 35155

Fax. (+62361) 433840 – 247431

Email: info@baliprov.go.id

ZulkifliHasan SE. MM

Menteri Kehutanan Republik Indonesia (The Forestry Minister)

Gedung Manggala Wanabakti Blok I Lt. 3

Jl. Jend. Gatot Subroto

Jakarta 10270

Email: menhut@dephut.go.id

Forfurther information please contact:

ProFauna Bali Representative
Mobile: +62 817 970 6066

For the complete article excerpted above, see ProFauna'sarticle at: Illegal turtle trade in Bali

Brenna and Stephanie - the future of turtle conservation

2012-03-01T20:36:00.000-02:00

Brenna and Stephanie are cousins and best friends, and they love turtles. The 11-year old girls donated the proceeds from their fundraising efforts to Turtle Foundation, and sent in these letters and drawings showing their dedication to turtle conservation. They hope to open their own sea turtle rescue facility when they get older. Turtle Foundation is working hard to ensure that there will still be turtles for Brenna and Stephanie to help save, and for their children and grandchildren, too. We are delighted to have Brenna and Stephanie's support. Thank you to both of you. Turtle Girls Rule!

Conference today in Praia, Cape Verde to discuss risks of foreign fishing in Cape Verde.

2012-02-14T19:32:00.001-02:00

The risks on the Cape Verdean ecosystem posed by fishing on the part of foreign vessels is the theme of a conference and debate set to take place at 6:00 pm today, February 14, at the Institut Français du Cap-Vert (IFCV) in Praia.

The event is being carried out in partnership with the NGO Biosfera, and is the first in a cycle of debates on the main environmental and development-related challenges facing Cape Verde.

Tommy Melo, the vice-president and co-founder of Biosfera, will speak on the subject, after which a round-table discussion will be held with Cape Verdean and foreign specialists, who will debate the theme presented.

Director General of the Environment Moisés Borges, a representative from the Ministry of the Environment, Housing and Territorial Management, Director General of Fisheries Juvino Vieira, European Union Ambassador Jospe Coll, UNDP official Olivier Puginier and Spanish Ambassador José Miguel Corvinos Lafuente have confirmed their participation in the round-table debate.

Original article at: A Semana

Vet's work keeps Matilda the amputee turtle waltzing

2012-02-12T17:30:00.003-02:00

It is people like this that give me hope for the future.
Australian vet saves sea turtle caught in crab pot

Illegally collected eggs confiscated by police in Berau

2012-02-09T16:40:00.002-02:00

An update from Dr. Hiltrud Cordes and Dr. Thomas Reischig of Turtle Foundation, currently in Berau:

Greetings from Berau!

Here comes an interesting story:

Yesterday we were informed, that the police confiscated a big amount of turtle eggs and handed it over to the KSDA (nature conservancy department).

We went to the KSDA-office to find out more. It is a big amount of eggs! About 4,500!! At about 100 eggs per nest, this would be about a week's worth of eggs from all nests laid on Balembangan and Sambit together. This case clearly emphazises again the urgent need to protect those two islands from egg poaching!

We decided that we will bring the eggs to Sangalaki tomorrow and give it a try with "relocation" - even though chances might be very low that any of the eggs will hatch. But you never know - maybe there are some strong survivers!

Of course we also tried to find out where the eggs come from and who brought them to Tanjung Redeb, but this turned out to be "delicate". And that mean that most probably police- or army-members are involved. We heard rumours that a member of the marine confiscated the eggs on the river from a policeman, but this is not officially confirmed. The KSDA was not given any explanation and the case will most probably not be brought to court.

At least "somebody" lost quite a lot of money, since the value of these eggs is at least 10 million rupiah.

On one of the bags which is originally a rice-bag we could identify a written note: SAMBIT. This indicates that this bag originally was sent to the island Sambit as food supply for the guards of the lighthouse there and later was used for collecting eggs from that island or the neighbouring Belambangan.

Procura-se: Coordenador de Acampamento

2012-01-25T09:07:00.003-02:00

Perfil do candidato:

A posição do coordenador do acampamento iria servir um indivíduo ambicioso que pretende exercer uma carreira na conservação das tartarugas marinhas. O candidato trabalhará sob a supervisão directa do Coordenador do Projecto, mas deverá mas deve ser capaz de gerir o projecto com pouca supervisão. Precisará de um alto nível de energia física e mental e ser resistente e determinado. O trabalho do coordenador do acampamento traz muita responsabilidade, e o trabalho é extremamente exigente, tanto a nível físico e mental.

Deveres específicos:

O/a Coordenador de Acampamento será responsável pelo Acamapemnto de Lacacão. Detalhes específicos sobre esta vaga podem ser obtidos aqui (em Inglês APENAS):
http://turtle-foundation.org/Portals/0/Content/project%20camp%20coordinator%202012.pdf

Deveres gerais (em menor grau):

Patrulhas de praia

Patrulhas são realizadas a cada noite em horários variados e no início da manhã. As praias onde trabalhamos variam entre 3 a 5 Km. As patrulhas têm várias funções e podem durar entre 4-6 horas:

Registo da atividade de nidificação e presença de tartarugas;
Marcação de tartarugas para sua identificação, medição da carapaça e coleta de outros dados;
Registo de nascimentos, e prospeção dos ninhos
Escavações do ninho e relocalizações;
Coletar dados sobre tartarugas e eventos de nidificação;
Manutenção e preparação de equipamento.

Limpezas de Praia

Estas são feitas regularmente e envolvem escolas, comunidades, empresas locais e os hotéis na Boa Vista

Educação Ambiental e Conscientização

Produção e distribuição de sinais de conservação relacionados nas praias (atividade em andamento);
Ajudar com actividades turisticas e outros eventos organizados com escolas / comunidades

Requisitos para aplicar:

Disponível por 5 meses (1 junho - 31 outubro, começando e terminando períodos podem variar com o projeto, verificar os detalhes no site);
Qualquer nacionalidade é bem-vinda, mas terá de ser fluente em Português, e ser capaz de conversar, receber e compreender instruções em Inglês;
Experiência de trabalho com as tartarugas em praias de nidificação é preferível;
Precisa estar apto e motivado, e desfrutar de trabalhar ao ar livre;
Gosta de trabalhar em equipa e tem habilidades de liderança comprovada;
Boa condições física e de saúde;
Ser um indivíduo calmo e extremamente responsável, que resiste a vida extremamente difícil e às vezes adversas, assim como as condições de trabalho;
Deve ter até data de inicio de trabalho Certificação de Primeiros Socorros;
Ser capaz de trabalhar em áreas remotas sob condições extremamente básica (sem saneamento)
Flexibilidade para se adaptar aos horários mudando conforme necessário e capaz de se adaptar para trabalhar à noite e dormir durante o dia

Benefícios / Custos:

Salário A Turtle Foundation incorrerá com os custos para alimentação e alojamento durante o seu tempo no projeto, e transporte de e para locais do projeto, uma vez na ilha. Este trabalho é em regime de voluntariado, assim sendo é uma posição não remunerada, mas será oferecida uma pequena bolsa mensal de € 350.

Despesas de Viagem Para candidatos estrangeiros ou de outra ilha, as despesas de viagem até á Boa Vista serão reembolsadas (máximo até €600 por voos internacionais).

Outros É obrigatório ter seguro médico ou de viagem durante a duração do projeto.

Nos dias livres os coordenadores do acampamento devem cobrir suas próprias despesas.

COMO CANDIDATAR-SE

Para candidatar-se, preencha o formulário online que encontra no nosso site (ver link abaixo). As candidaturas deve ser feitas EM INGLÊS. Deverá também acrescentar ao seu curriculo uma pequena carta de motivação (máx. uma página) explicando porque está interessado neste trabalho.

Prazo: 15 de Março

LINK:
http://turtle-foundation.org/Projekte/KapverdenBoavista/VolunteerJobopportunities/CampCoordinator/tabid/320/Default.aspx

Needed: Camp Coordinator

2012-01-24T14:06:00.002-02:00

Dear friends,

We are looking for someone to fill the position of Camp Coordinator of Lacacão Beach Camp, on Boa Vista.

Join our team!

Details about this position can be found in our website, by clicking on this link:

http://turtle-foundation.org/Projekte/KapverdenBoavista/VolunteerJobopportunities/CampCoordinator/tabid/320/Default.aspx

I'll Follow the Moon, by Stephanie Lisa Tara, children's book about a hatchling

2012-01-15T10:05:00.000-02:00

A very sweet book about a sea turtle hatchling, in verse and beautiful drawings, written by Stephanie Lisa Tara, illustrated by Lee Edward Fodi.

"On a quite moonlit beach, a baby green sea turtle stirs from a dream of home. Slowly, slowly with a tap, crick, crack, the baby turtle embarks upon a mysterious nighttime journey." Gentle tender verse and enchanting illustrations carry this tranquil tale from sand to sea. Stephanie's first book (now an international, double-medalist, bestseller) I'll Follow the Moon --comforts children with its soothing tone and melodic repetition. A portion of the proceeds go to turtle organizations to help these wonderful creatures survive, and perhaps get them off the Endangered Species list. Every purchase helps to save a sea turtle."

I'll Follow the Moon, on Amazon

Also, check out Stephanie's Facebook page "Save Green Sea Turtles"

Facebook, "Save Green Sea Turtles"

Meet our Boa Esperanca camp coordinator Julie Walmsley

2012-01-08T05:02:00.000-02:00

Name: Julie Walmsley

Age: 33

Place of birth: San Fransisco, California, USA

Current residence: Boa Vista, Cape Verde & London, UK

I was born in California and me and my family moved to New Jersey when I was a year old. I lived an active life – my best friend’s parents owned a roller skating rink and we would skate every hour of the day listening to our favourite Madonna songs. I spent every summer at summer camp running wild in the natural landscapes of New Jersey. When we moved back to Essex in England, I hated it. I only started to appreciate my British heritage in my late 20s. My accent confuses everyone, my American friends think I sound British’ while my British friends think I’m a yank through and through.

I’m a professional photographer, specializing in portraiture, fashion and product photography. I decided to freelance because I became frustrated working under people in big organizations and not having creative or artistic control.

I love the freedom and independence of finding work and building contacts. Photography wasn’t my first choice; I studied marine biology because it was something I wanted to do from a young age. Although I did not follow that career path, I volunteer in my spare time, mainly working with sea turtles.

The first voluntary project I got involved in protected leatherback turtles in Costa Rica, and then through a friend I found out about a project called Turtle Foundation set up in Cape Verde.

I visit every season and I have been promoted to camp coordinator. Small groups of us camp out in tents for four months on Boa Esperanca, one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever visited.

I never heard of Cape Verde before doing the project, , but I was passionate about endangered turtles and curious to find out more about the culture.

I wish I could, but I can’t explain why Boa Vista means so much to me. The first time I visited it felt like home in a weird way. Life passes at a different speed and people’s priorities are completely different. It really appeals to me.

Around the world the oceans inhabitants are becoming endangered. We have over-fished so many species that we are at risk of them never fully recovering and Europe, Japan, China and the USA are taking more than their fair share. Commercial fishing is one of the main culprits for the numbers of sea turtle crashing by 90% over the last two decades! On top of this turtle meat and eggs are eaten as a delicacy in Cape Verde and other parts of the world. The Turtle Foundation was set up to protect turtles from poachers and raise awareness about the issue.

When you are watching the turtles and protecting them during their reproductive journey, you can’t help but have the utmost respect for what they have achieved- the number of boats, nets and hooks they have avoided to lay their eggs is startling. I feel a sense of responsibility and pride in what Turtle Foundation is doing, especially when the turtles return safely to the ocean. It is one of the most rewarding jobs I have ever done!
Women have the power to be both sexy and strong.

I am Complexd because I want it all – a great career, living abroad, learning new languages and the determination to make it a reality!

See the original article in Complexd magazine at: http://www.complexd.co.uk/2011/11/complexd-women/complexd-woman-julie-walmsley/

See Julie's photos of Boa Vista at: http://be-uncommon.blogspot.com/

Cape Verde: African good news story - on BBC

2011-12-31T03:18:00.001-02:00

"The remarkable economic and political progress of Cape Verde is seen as a blueprint for the rest of Africa, writes BBC Today programme presenter Evan Davis after a visit to the tiny island state.

Contrary to the impression you might have had of African nations, here is one where democracy flourishes

I have to admit, I couldn't have told you three interesting facts about Cape Verde until I was asked to go there for the Today programme.
I didn't know where it was - 570km (354 miles) off the coast of West Africa. I didn't even know how to pronounce its name.
And then I found myself sent there on a three-day mission to investigate a startling story: That sub-Saharan Africa is not just a region of starving children and warring dictators."

Read the rest of the article at:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/today/newsid_9668000/9668347.stm?mid=565

New Turtle Foundation mural painting at the main-place of Sal Rei/ Boa Vista

2011-12-20T09:07:00.013-02:00

Looking at the run-down walls of the main square in Sal Rei, we decided it was time to repaint an old mural we had done in 2008 in front of the kid's corner, this time with an image of underwater-sea-life with sea turtles, fish, corals etc to remind everyone of the beauty and importance of the incredible marine biodiversity of Boa Vista.

To do this, we collaborated once again with our artistic mentor, Titu Ramos, a local artist who has worked with us many times before, the participants of the Turtle Foundation Ranger Training – Márcio, Ronny, João and Énio, and a group of school kids. And it was a lot of fun!

After preparing the wall during the week before and giving it a bright blue coat in the morning of Saturday the 17^th of December, Titu and the school kids got started by drawing the images with a pencil on the wall and colored them afterwards. All the participants seemed to have a lot of fun and the process of painting the wall only got interrupted by the occasional paint-fight between the kids. All the kids got a little present at the end of the activity and some of them were already asking the next day when we are going to do the next painting.

Now the main square in Sal Rei is more colourful and cheerful again, we hope this mural will not only make the square look nicer, but also pass on an important message, which is also our slogan - “Protejamos as tartarugas – junte-se a nos” – “Lets protect the sea turtles – join us!”.

For now, we just have to find the next wall and the right image…

Second tropical sea turtle washes up on Vancouver Island.

2011-12-10T06:23:00.000-02:00

from CTV news:

An endangered green sea turtle died early Monday at the Vancouver Aquarium after being rescued four nights earlier on Vancouver Island.

The tropical turtle was found Wednesday and is the second in a week to wash up on the shores of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve near Tofino. Scientists are baffled as to why.

Dr. Dennis Thoney, director of animal operations at the aquarium, said it is unknown where the turtles came from exactly and how they ended up in cold B.C. waters during a La Nina year.

"Normally when we see turtles up here it's during times of El Nino when the waters are much warmer and they tend to move further north. But this year, it's the opposite," he said.

On Wednesday, a park visitor spotted the sick turtle stranded on the beach and immediately notified Fisheries and Oceans Canada's Marine Mammal Response Network, which rushed to the scene and transferred the reptile to Vancouver.

Aquarium veterinarian Dr. Martin Haulena and his team provided emergency treatment to the young male sea turtle including feeding him fluids and antibiotics.

The cold-shocked animal also had severe eye injuries that seemed to be improving with rehydration. However, the turtle's lack of response and slow movements led veterinarians to believe he may have been brain dead.

Last week, an olive ridley sea turtle was found in the same region but was declared dead the day after it was brought to the aquarium.

Aquarium veterinarians were hoping for a better outcome for the second young sea turtle but with such a slow heart rate, they were skeptical of his recovery.

"Reptiles have a capability of slowing down to hibernate over winter and then come out," Thoney said. "But they're tropical animals so it's not a normal thing. It could kill him."

To see the short news video: video of cold-stunned green turtle

Turtle Cookies for sale at Vaduz, Liechtenstein Christmas market

2011-12-09T16:31:00.000-02:00

Home-made turtle cookies for sale to benefit sea turtles this Saturday (1-8 pm) and Sunday (11-5) at the Christmas market in Vaduz, Liechtenstein. You're all invited to come!

Turtle Foundation lottery to benefit sea turtles

2011-12-07T03:02:00.000-02:00

It’s time again:

LOTTERY ON BEHALF OF THE SEA TURTLES – COME JOIN IN

Due to the big success of our lottery on behalf of the sea turtles in 2010 and 2011, TURTLE FOUNDATION and SOS Seaturtles (founded by the famous underwater photographer Kurt Amsler) are doing it again this year. This year again 100% of the proceeds from the sale of the lottery tickets will be used for Turtle Foundation’s sea turtle conservation work.

These are the prizes you can win:

STAR PRIZE: Pindito Dive Safari “Komodo”

12-day dive safari “Komodo” for 1 person on the sailing dive boat Pindito (based on shared twin-bed cabin). Flights not included. Valid until end of 2012. Value USD 4,590.00

2nd PRIZE:
Manta Ray Bay Resort, Yap, Mikronesien

1 week stay for 1 person (ocean view room), including breakfast and 5 days diving with Nitrox, including transfers from/to airport. Flights not included. Valid until end of 2013. Value USD 1,450.00 / EUR 1’210.00

3rd PRIZE: Minahasa Lagoon – Dive and Tours Club, Manado, Indonesien

1 week stay for 1 person (garden view room), including full board, 10 dives and transfers. Flights not included. Valid until end of 2013. Value USD 1’121.00 / EUR 935.00

4th PRIZE: Statia Lodge, St. Eustatius (Netherlands Antilles)

1 week stay (7 nights) for one person at the Hibiscus Bungalow (with kitchen), incl. a dive package (10 dives) with Scubaqua. Flights, marine park fee and diving equipment not included. Valid until end of 2013. Value: USD 1,185.00

5th PRIZE: Lembeh Resort, Sulawesi, Indonesien

1 week stay (5 nights) for one person, including full board, 11 dives and transfers to/from airport. Flights not included. Valid until end of 2013. Value: USD 1,038 / EUR 865.00

6th PRIZE: Alam Batu Resort, Bali, Indonesien

1 week stay for one person (ventilator bungalow), including breakfast, 10 dives at the house reef and transfers. Flights not included. Valid until end of 2013. Value USD 738.00 / EUR 615.00

7th PRIZE: Sea Explorers Philippines

12 dives (in Dauin, Malapascua, Alona Beach or Cabilao). Valid until end of 2013.
Value: USD 324.00 / EUR 270.00

8th PRIZE: DiverDesign Schmuckstück

1 “Amulet” sea turtle pendant, curved (made of high-grade Titanium), incl. silicone necklace.
Value USD 295.00 / EUR 245.00 (Additional >DiverDesign Special Offer for ALL Turtle Foundation members and friends valid until 29 January 2012!)

9th PRIZE: Diving Centers Werner Lau, Indonesien & Ägypten

5 day dive package for one person at the Diving Center Werner Lau in Indonesia or Egypt. Valid until end of 2013. Value USD 288.00 - 432.00 / EUR 240.00 - 360.00 (depending on destination).

By purchasing a lottery ticket for USD 100.00 / EUR 75.00 you will have a chance to win one of these fantastic prizes. The number of lottery tickets issued is limited to only 200! (Good chance of winning!) This year again 100% of the proceeds from the sale of the lottery tickets will be used for Turtle Foundation’s sea turtle conservation work.

Come join in!

Support this campaign and don’t miss the chance to win one of these amazing prizes!

> End of lottery: 20. January 2012

> The drawing of the winners is going to take place on Sunday, 29 January 2012, at the FESPO in Zürich (the Vacation and Sports Fair) at the stall of Schöner Tauchen (Dive Travel and Tours).

Click here to get to the lottery ticket order form: Lottery ticket order form

Lost Kemp's Ridley turtle swims from Gulf to Netherlands

2011-12-07T02:30:00.000-02:00

To see video of this story, go to: Johnny the Kemp's Ridley Turtle

The following text comes from Live Science:

Credit: Mote Marine Laboratory

When Johnny Vasco de Gama showed up in the Netherlands three years ago, he was a nameless, frigid sea turtle with little chance of surviving much longer in the icy waters of the North Sea. But now, this accidental world traveler is back in the United States and will soon be released into the warm waters his species calls home.

The turtle, dubbed "Johnny" by rescuers in the Netherlands, had "Vasco de Gama" appended to his name in Portugal, where marine biologists at the ocean theme park Zoomarine nursed him back to health. The turtle is a Kemp's ridley sea turtle, a critically endangered species and the rarest of all sea turtles. For that reason, an international team of conservationists has worked hard to bring Johnny back to the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. On Tuesday (Nov. 29), Johnny arrived at Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota, Fla., where staff checked him out and placed him in a holding tank in preparation to release him into the Gulf.

No one knows exactly how Johnny made it all the way to the Netherlands, thousands of miles from his home territory in the Gulf of Mexico and along the eastern coast of the U.S. According to Mote Marine Lab, the turtle likely got caught in cold currents and become "cold-stunned," a condition that can shut down turtles' organs and even kill the animals. In that state, Johnny may have drifted hundreds or thousands of miles before being found in November 2008.

Once rescued, Johnny was stabilized by Rotterdam Zoo employees and then sent to the aquarium Oceanário de Lisboa in Portugal the following summer. The aquarium, in turn, sent the turtle to Zoomarine for rehabilitation.

After an international process of permit-getting and transport-organizing, Johnny the turtle made it back to the U.S. side of the pond in considerably greater style than his outbound journey: He flew in a specially adapted plane donated by the Portuguese airline TAP.
At Mote Marine Lab, Johnny underwent a veterinary exam on Tuesday and is now on medical hold to be sure that he's ready for release back into the wild. As soon as he's cleared, Johnny will be set free in southwest Florida waters.

Radio broadcast in Germany about Turtle Foundation's Cape Verde project

2011-11-05T02:11:00.001-02:00

In September a German journalist was visiting Cape Verde and did a radio broadcast about Turtle Foundation's volunteers working to save the loggerhead turtles. It's only 4 minutes, and it gives a great description of our work and our goals: Give a listen: Radio broadcast about Turtle Foundation

Season wrap up

2011-10-26T17:52:00.007-02:00

(Unten ist die Übersetzung ins Deutsche)

November is approaching, and it is time to pack and say goodbye to the turtles this year.

Looking back into the season, we believe we can be proud of the results achieved; the 2011 season was, by far, our most successful one. Although it had a grim start (we only recorded our first turtles in late June/early July), nesting caught up in September, and although most turtles have left, we're still recording sporadic nesting in some of our beaches, which is great!

In term of results, we can say that so far we have recorded a total of 946 nests this season, in all our beaches, a number similar to that of the year before (1146 nests, but not including Água Doce); the first hatchery we ever built (in Lacacão beach) was the only place in the beach where nests that didn't get flooded and destroyed half-way through the season, and yielded a hatching success rate of over 85% (similar results were found in in-situ nests in Boa Esperança beach) and; more important, our results in terms of protection were wonderful (only 5 turtles reported killed in our beaches!).

It seems that this year poachers moved away from our beaches, which is a relief. We're curious to see if this tendency will be maintained next year, but it is clear that the local people in Boa Vista are embracing our conservation efforts a little bit more each year, and the visible support we received throughout the season from the people from Fundo das Figueiras, Povoação Velha and Sal Rei, among other places shows that we are on the right track.

This season also brought some improvements or changes. With more than 5 students carrying out their research projects in fields such as genetics, parasitology, tourism, nest management strategies and socio-economics, we not only learned a lot from these really interesting studies, but were able to assist in generating important information about these research themes. Also, we participated in a satellite tracking program, led by scientists of the University of Kiel, in collaboration also with the INDP in São Vicente, in innovative research.

This was obviously our most diverse season so far in terms of participants. Although the number of international volunteers remained similar to that from last year (ca. 45), most enrolled as long-term/interns and stayed for at least 6 weeks, while throughout the season we employed 22 Cape Verdeans ful-time, and trained 30 soldiers. Additionally, we funded the only truly community based project (at Povoação Velha), where additionally 16 locals were hired to ensure the protection of Varandinha beach.

In terms of environmental education, we created successful partnerships to outside organizations such as Infância Feliz, in Santiago, and collaborated with several other groups, such as the football team "Onze Estrelas" from Bofareira, Grupo "Pretoria", from Sal, the scouts group in Boa Vista, as well as organizing three weekend camps for kids from the island (with at least 30 participants)...

Well, the list could go on and on, because it was indeed a busy season, but full details of our results will be made available early next year when the full season report is done.

For details of our preliminary data, see the table in our blog.

Thanks for all your support!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Nistsaison 2011 – Ein Überblick

Schon bald ist November und damit Zeit, dass wir uns für dieses Jahr von den Schildkröten verabschieden.

Nicht ganz ohne Stolz dürfen wir auf die Ergebnisse der diesjährigen Saison zurückblicken; es ist bis jetzt nämlich die mit Abstand erfolgreichste Nistsaison überhaupt. Nach einem etwas „harzigen“ Start (die ersten Schildkröten konnten erst Ende Juni/Anfang Juli verzeichnet werden) kamen im September dafür umso mehr Tiere zum Nisten an den Strand.

Obwohl die meisten Meeresschildkröten die Gegend bereits verlassen haben, gibt es immer noch vereinzelte Nistaktivitäten an unseren Stränden zu beobachten. Dies freut uns natürlich sehr!

Und hier ein paar Zahlen: Während der diesjährigen Nistsaison wurden an unseren Stränden bisher 946 Nester gezählt; ähnlich viele wie im Jahr zuvor, in dem es 1146 Nester waren (ohne den Strand Água Doce). Die erste von uns gebaute Hatchery (Brutstation), welche sich am Strand von Lacacão befindet, war der einzige Ort dieses Strandes, an dem die Nester nicht überschwemmt und zerstört wurden. Der dortige Schlüpferfolg liegt bei über 85% (ähnlich wie die in-situ Nester am Strand von Boa Esperança). Besonders erfreulich ist das Ergebnis bezüglich unseren Schutzbemühungen: an unseren Stränden wurden nur 5 getötete Schildkröten verzeichnet.

Es macht den Anschein, dass sich viele Wilddiebe dieses Jahr von unseren Stränden fern gehalten haben; welch’ eine Erleichterung! Wir sind gespannt, ob sich diese Tendenz auch kommendes Jahr weiter beobachten lassen wird. Auch ist ein stetes Wachsen der Akzeptanz von Boavista’s lokaler Bevölkerung unseren Schutzbemühungen gegenüber deutlich wahrnehmbar. Im Besonderen zeigt uns die kontinuierliche Unterstützung der Menschen aus Fundo das Figueiras, Povoação Velha und Sal Rei, dass wir auf dem richtigen Weg sind.

Die diesjährige Nistsaison brachte auch einige Veränderungen bzw. Verbesserungen mit sich. Fünf Studenten verfolgten Forschungsprojekte in den Bereichen Genetik, Parasitologie, Tourismus, „Nest-Management-Strategien“ und Sozioökonomie durch. Einerseits konnten wir von diesen interessanten Studien viel lernen, andererseits selbst wichtige Inputs zu den erwähnten Forschungsthemen liefern. Außerdem nahmen wir an einem innovativen „Satelliten-Tracking-Programm“ teil, welches von Wissenschaftlern der Universität Kiel in Zusammenarbeit mit der INDP (Instituto Naciaonal de Desenvolvimento) von São Vicente statt gefunden hat.

Bezüglich TeilnehmerInnen war 2011 ein äußerst facettenreiches Jahr. Nebst 45 internationalen VolontärInnen, von denen die meisten 6 Wochen oder länger blieben, boten wir 22 Kapverdianern eine Vollzeitstelle an und bildeten 30 Soldaten als Ranger aus.

Darüber hinaus finanzierten wir das einzige, gänzlich gemeindegestützte Projekt in Povoação Velha, wo zusätzlich 16 Einheimische angestellt wurden, um den Schutz vom Strand von Varandinha sicher zu stellen.

Unsere Aktivitäten im Bereich Umweltbildung schlossen sowohl die erfolgreiche Partnerschaften mit der Organisation namens „Infancia Feliz“ („Glückliche Kindheit“) mit ein, als auch die Zusammenarbeit mit verschiedenen lokalen Gruppen; so zum Beispiel mit dem Fußball-Team "Onze Estrelas" aus Bofareira, der „Grupo Pretoria" aus Sal oder der Pfadfinder-Gruppe aus Boa Vista. Weiter organisierten wir auch dieses Jahr wiederum drei Wochenend-Camps für Kinder aus Boavista, bei denen jeweils mindestens 30 Kinder teilgenommen haben.

Die Liste könnte an dieser Stelle beliebig fortgeführt werden, da während dieser Saison wirklich immer sehr viel los war. Ein ausführlicher Jahresbericht ist in Bearbeitung und wird Anfang 2012 zur Verfügung stehen.

Details zu unseren vorläufigen Daten sind in der nebenstehenden Tabelle ersichtlich.

Vielen Dank für Ihre Unterstützung !!!!!!!!!!!!

Peter Yuen photography and Turtle Foundation

2011-10-19T20:58:00.000-02:00

Peter Yuen is a photographer who has a wonderful site dedicated to photographing animals in need of rescue. He has taken fantastic photos of sea turtles in Malaysia, and is donating a portion of photo sales to Turtle Foundation. Thank you Peter! See his work (and buy his photos!) at http://www.peteryuenphotography.com/

Photos from our 2011 season on Boavista, Cape Verde

2011-10-04T01:28:00.000-02:00

Joana has posted some photos on Facebook from our work during the 2011 nesting season on Boavista. Here are a couple, but you should check out the album on Facebook. They will make you want to go there . . . and we're looking forward to seeing you there!Turtle Foundation Cape Verde photos 2011 season

Update on the satellite tagging project in Cape Verde

2011-09-22T03:52:00.000-02:00

Observing platform sea turtle

– A new interdisciplinary research project at IFM-GEOMAR -

August 18, 2011, Kiel / Mindelo. In a new interdisciplinary research project, marine scientists from the Leibniz Institute of Marine Sciences (IFM-GEOMAR) in Kiel, Germany study the dynamics of the world's third largest nesting population of the endangered loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) on the Cape Verde islands and the mechanisms and genetics of their reproduction. Using data loggers and satellite communication, the scientists can track a number of turtles. In addition a number of sensors provide the opportunity to measure a range of physical and chemical parameters during several months. The first experiments started this summer in time of the reproduction period until autumn.

Worldwide, the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) is an endangered species (IUCN red list). Due to fishing activities, environmental pollution, climate change, tourism and hunting the loggerhead turtle populations are under pressure. The population on Cape Verde is the third-largest nesting aggregation worldwide. Hunting is still a very serious issue, although attempts have been made to protect the population. In 2007 alone, on the island of Boavista around 1,150 female turtles were killed as they came ashore to lay eggs. In that year, this corresponded to 15-30% of the total nesting population of the Cape Verde islands. By selling the turtle meat, hunters may obtain up to 150 Euros per turtle, which corresponds to an average monthly salary on Cape Verde.

To support the protection of the sea turtles was one but not the only reason for marine scientists at the Leibniz Institute of Marine Sciences (IFM-GEOMAR) in Kiel, Germany to launch a special research project on Cape Verde. The French evolutionary biologist Dr. Christophe Eizaguirre from IFM-GEOMAR wanted to study the genetics of the population to find out whether it is isolated or a stepping–stone between the other populations in the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. Even within the Cape Verde population their movements and relationships are still unclear. In cooperation with the NGO “Turtle Foundation”, Dr. Eizaguirre, obtained 2-3mm skin samples from 120 turtles for a genetic analysis. “This data base provides us a basis for our investigation”, says Eizaguirre. “From that we have learned that the Cape Verde population is genetically differentiated from both Floridian and Mediterranean populations. This means that reproduction takes place within Cape Verde demes. Additionally, genetic diversity, a crucial measure of population viability, is still high despite the threats the turtles have to face. This might be maintained by the exceptional mating system the turtles have evolved. Genetic analyses of hatchlings revealed that females mate with multiple males thus decreasing risks of inbreeding and loss of genetic diversity”.

Now Eizaguirre has started a second phase of the project. Together with the marine biochemist Björn Fiedler (PhD student) and the physical oceanographer Prof. Kanzow, he designed a unique observational programme. Three turtles from the Boavista island and three from Sao Vicente were equipped with a satellite transmitter and a number of sensors which measure a number of parameters: GPS position, pressure (equivalent for diving depth), temperature, salinity and some also dissolved oxygen. Thus, the turtles serve as a multidisciplinary measuring platform with similar functions as the gilders used by other groups at IFM-GEOMAR. After the first three weeks of the experiments Eizaguirre is very optimistic: “The data quality is very good, diving depths reported range from 10 to 100 metres”. He hopes that the sensors will remain on the turtles since they will try to remove it. “The instruments are very robust and with costs between 7,000 – 12,000 Euros for each sensor still affordable. In the vicinity of the islands we do have a good chance to retrieve them”. Currently his PhD student Victor Stiebens is on Cape Verde to obtain further samples from the turtles. „During the nesting period from mid July to September, there is a good chance to find nesting female turtles on the beach”, says Eizaguirre. But it is also a dangerous time for the volunteers who protect the turtles and the researchers. “Last year we were threatened by hunters with a machete. Thus, we are very grateful to Christian Roder from the Turtle Foundation and his team that supports our work as well as the authorities and the Cape Verdian marine research institute INDP who without such a project would not be possible“, Eizaguirre concluded.

The project was supported by special funds provided by the Leibniz association (WGL).

For original article, with pictures: Loggerhead satellite tracking project

Cape Verde's Loggerhead Turtles Receive Endangered Status

2011-09-17T00:13:00.001-02:00

Since 1978, Loggerhead turtles have been considered "Threatened" throughout their range. In 2011, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service split loggerhead turtles into 9 separate populations for conservation efforts. Today, 5 of those populations were designated as "Endangered", a status indicating the population is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significan portion of its range. All sea turtles are either endangered or threatened, the latter meaning that the species is declining and is likely to beome endangered in the foreseeable future.

Cape Verde's loggerhead population is in the Northeast Atlantic Ocean DPS.

The population designations are as follows:
ESA Threatened- (ESA = Endangered Species Act)
(1) Northwest Atlantic Ocean DPS (DPS = Distinct Population Segment)
(2) South Atlantic Ocean DPS
(3) Southeast Indo-Pacific Ocean DPS
(4) Southwest Indian Ocean DPS
ESA Endangered-
(5) Northeast Atlantic Ocean DPS
(6) Mediterranean Sea DPS
(7) North Indian Ocean DPS
(8) North Pacific Ocean DPS
(9) South Pacific Ocean DPS

For more see: 5 loggerhead sea turtle populations are endangered

Some good news: Accidental sea turtle deaths drop 90% in U.S. fisheries.

2011-09-16T14:29:00.000-02:00

ScienceDaily (Sep. 14, 2011) — The number of sea turtles accidentally caught and killed in fishing gear in United States coastal waters has declined by an estimated 90 percent since 1990, according to a new study by researchers at Duke University Project GloBAL and Conservation International.

The report, published in the scientific journal Biological Conservation, credits the dramatic drop to measures that have been put into place over the last 20 years to reduce bycatch in many fisheries, as well as to overall declines in U.S. fishing activity.
The study's authors estimate that 4,600 sea turtles die each year in U.S. coastal waters.
Before measures to reduce bycatch were put in place, total sea turtle takes surpassed 300,000 annually. Of these, 70,000 turtles were killed.
The study used data collected from 1990 to 2007 by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to determine bycatch rates across more than 20 fisheries operating in Atlantic waters from the Gulf of Mexico to the Canadian border, and in the Pacific Ocean, along the West coast and around Hawaii.
It found that overall turtle bycatch rates, including both fatal and nonfatal run-ins, have fallen about 60 percent since 1990.
Shrimp trawls in the Gulf of Mexico and southeastern U.S. accounted for up to 98 percent of all by-catch takes and deaths during the study period.

For more info and the rest of the article:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110914115848.htm

Follow up on the quad issue on Boa Vista

2011-09-11T22:31:00.000-02:00

An article in the Portuguese newspaper A Semana describes meetings that will lead to greater restrictions on the use of quads on Boa Vista, including setting up routes that the quads may use without disturbing turtles or sensitive dunes and vegetation. The article is in Portuguese, but a rough translation is below. The article appears at: A Semana article about quad bikes on Boa Vista.

Translation:

From A Semana, online Portuguese news.Quad bikes to have their own routes on Boa Vista
September 11, 2011
The four-wheel motorcycles will have their own routes on Boa Vista as part of a measure to put a stop to the unbridled and unrestricted movement of these vehicles, used mainly for sightseeing. Finally there has been response to farmers in the interior who saw their fields ruined by quads, and environmentalists who have complained over and over about turtle nests wiped out by these four-wheeled monsters. For years regulations on the use of quads was unenforced, and the problem has increased dramatically as tourism increases. Despite a regulation that prohibits the use of quads less than eighty yards from the seafront, beaches are invaded by the noisy caravans, often destroying the nests of turtles, and even agricultural areas, especially in the Povoação Velha area.

To satisfy the demands of residents and environmentalists and put an end to this situation a commission was set up to set a route for such vehicles in all the protected areas and agricultural areas. The route should be outlined by representatives of SDTIBM, Town Hall, National Police, Office of the Ministry of Environment and turtle protection organizations.

The meeting took place between the entities at the end of August and this week the paths for the quads should be decided. The commission went to visit the beaches of Varandinha, Santa Monica, Lacacão, Curral Velho and Boa Esperança to identify and define the regulation. "Further, the route comes with an operational plan for monitoring that will involve several institutions," said Nadir Almeida delegate Maritime Boa Vista.

With the route ready, the commission shall make known to the fleet of motorcycle rental agencies operating in Boa Vista. "We will deliver roadmaps for agencies to hire tour guides who know the roads well," Nadir Almeida said there will be additional information panels installed on the paths.

The supervision will be tightened, says the delegation, which also announced severe measures in order to protect the dunes and the sea turtles that nest between June and October on the pristine beaches of Boa Vista. "Whoever fails to comply will have to cope with heavy fines," concludes the representative of the agency responsible for the coastline.

Trading english classrooms for a turtle camp

2011-09-06T19:04:00.007-02:00

From Lynnette Miller,

The first time I saw a turtle lay eggs was a magical night for me. Lying silently, breathlessly behind the turtle, watching this intimate process on the beautiful beach at Lacacao camp.

I came to Boa Vista to teach, but I have learned more here than I ever could have hoped.

For me, having lived in Cape Verde for a year but having no experience with turtles or environmental initiatives, I was so ecstatic to get this opportunity to go on patrols, see the turtles, and take part in this amazing project.

Classroom turns to beach and beach becomes our classroom as I finish my first year as a Peace Corps volunteer high school English teacher in a village outside Praia and suddenly find myself in Boa Vista, working with Turtle Foundation to teach English to Cape Verdean employees at turtle camps. But the desks have disappeared. Our day classroom becomes a nightly turtle patrol.

“What is this?” “It’s a track! That is the attempt, and the turtle went back to the sea. It’s a half-moon.”

The night continues. Walking along the sand glowing white in the moonlight. By day, we work on English with a whiteboard in a tent. By night, the turtles are our teachers. Later, we take the classroom to the tourists, to practice in real-life situations educating about turtle nesting and conservation.

Now, as I return to my island, Santiago, I am inspired. Inspired by the people I met, the work I did, the things I learned at turtle camp. I am motivated to bring this back to my village, my island, where turtle meat is a specialty. When I returned to inform my neighbors that I spent the summer working with turtles, the first question from everyone was “Isn’t turtle meat delicious!? Or was it the eggs….I heard they’re tasty but never tried…” No! We were protecting turtles. See my pictures! Let me tell you why we need to protect, not kill and eat the turtles…

So, as the summer comes to an end, I’m back to “real life” at my Peace Corps site, with new plans to teach my kids not only English but about their environment, and getting them excited about taking care of and preserving their beautiful country and the wildlife that shares the land and the sea with them.

Quad bike tours on the beaches of Boavista - READ THIS before you rent one, or book a tour...

2011-09-02T13:53:00.006-02:00

After a short trip to Varandinha and Santa Mónia beaches, it was appalling the see the quantity of quad bikes and cars on these beaches! Some people have turned these beaches into real motorways, regardless of the the fact that riding quads on the beaches is not only forbidden, but it is also detrimental for sea turtle nesting beaches.

Recently, guides serving the Marine Club in Sal Rei drove at least 8 cars through Curral Velho beach, destroying nests on their way to the nearby beach of João Barrosa, ironically to show nesting turtles at night time... This beach has also been heavily used as a road by locals, tourists and possibly independent tour companies. Other problem areas include Boa Esperança beach, and all the local beaches around Sal Rei. Its time to put a stop to it!!

Turtle Foundation and several other entities have been meeting in the last week in order to define quad bike and car routes to the most important touristic spots in the islands, in such a way that tourists still have easy access and views of the beaches, without entering them with their vehicles. This initiative will involve placing official signs in most entry points, informative signs, route signaling and media campaign.

However, it is important to spread the message around: IT IS ILLEGAL TO DRIVE MOTORIZED VEHICLES ON THE BEACHES!

Please keep this is mind:

- If you want to rent a quad bike or car, follow this rule at all times, and try to stay well in well-defined roads - DON'T DRIVE OFF ROAD, especially not in the dunes and beaches

- If you join a quad tour, make sure your guide follows these rules, if they don't, talk to the company or make a complaint to the police or Turtle Foundation.

Please help spread the word, this is important not only for the preservation of delicate dune ecosystems, but as well as the sea turtle nesting beaches. Be a responsible tourist or resident, and start making the difference. Thank you!!!

Note: Pictures used were found on the internet, both used to publicize quad tours in Boa Vista island!!!! Obviously there's a lot of work to do ahead...

Race to save the nests in Lacacão beach

2011-09-01T19:57:00.003-02:00

The last week has seen an increase in ocean swell, causing the innundation most of the beaches in Boavista.

Lacacão beach is notorious and well known for its total innundation several times a year. When this occurs during the middle of the nesting season, it can cause caos and destruction on the nesting beach. Many nests get either washed away, or fully innundated, causing the death of the embryos. To our dismay, the sea this week started eating away the beach, with 3-4m waves getting dangerously close to our hatchery and surrounding area, where we have at least 50% of the nests relocated.

This year, given the potential impact of the lights of the hotel, and increased traffic of both people and quads on the beach, Turtle Foundation embarked on an intense nest relocation program, trying to save as many nests as possible from threats such as light, compaction and inundation.

The results have been great. Most of the nests were saved from the stormy sea, two have already hatched with more than 80% success rate! But many were innundated, and damage to the nests is yet to be assessed. However, the excavation of some of the nests affected by the waves revealed very high hatching success rate, and we are pleased to see that those nests due to hatch were little affected. In any case, it was 3 very stressful days of digging ditches, and monitoring the water table rise and the incoming tides.

Well done to all the Lacacão team, for all the work saving these nests!

Turtle Foundation featured in Year of the Turtle newsletter

2011-09-01T14:32:00.000-02:00

2011 has been the Year of the Turtle, hosted by PARC (Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation) and turtle conservation groups. Most of the articles and events have been about terrestrial turtles and tortoises, but of course sea turtles are turtles, too! An article about Turtle Foundation and our work appears in the September newsletter on page 5:

Year of the Turtle September Newsletter

The 2011 season so far...

2011-08-28T13:31:00.000-02:00

Its half way through the season, which means its time for the very awaited update!!!

So far the 2011 season has been a slow one in terms of nesting. With just under 1,000 records in our beaches, and 398 nests, this has been a sharp decrease compared to previous seasons. However, the results in terms of the protection (our main goal), and the tagging program have been successful.

With only 4 turtles lost to poachers this season (half recorded prior to the beginning of the patrols), and 164 turtles tagged, the teams have remained optimistic, and in good spirits! Also, we had the first hatchlings just a couple of weeks ago, making night patrols and morning surveys a little bit more exciting.

Turtle nesting in Curral Velho beach.
Photo by João Barbosa

In a nutshell:

Lacacão Camp

The team in this camp has been the most active. Curral Velho has the highest activity of all TF beaches, with 125 nests, Lacacão with 61 and Curralito with 42. A total of 542 records, and 263 sightings have been recorded in the data books.

Hatchery at Lacacão Beach, season 2011.
Photo: Turtle Foundation

The hatchery is now closed, with 35 nests inside. The first relocated nests of Lacacão beach, as well as many of the natural nests in Curral Velho have already hatched, and the team will now be busy determining the hatching success rate of the nests in different parts of the beach. Several students are still undertaking their research on Lacacão beach, studies including parasites, genetics, behaviour and abiotic factors affecting embryo development.

Boa Esperança Camp

After 2 months of continuous patrolling, the team is thrilled that there are still plenty of new turtles arriving every night, which could be an indicator that the season is far from slowing down. Since 2011 the beach of Água Doce is patrolled every night, yelding extremely positive results (meaning, no killings). The team there has so far tagged 44 individual turtles, and recorded 97 nests on the coastline between Ponta do Sol and the end of Boa Esperança for a total of 242 activities, and 140 sightings! Two volunteers are conducting a study to assess the inundation risk of the nests on this beach, and we are only waiting for the first hatchlings to emerge to start studying the hatching success rate here a well.

Fundo das Figueiras

The slow tendency for the season is mostly observed in the beaches of Canto and Norte, which yeld a very low activity rate. Yet, between the two beaches, the team there managed to identify at least 48 individual turtles, which is great! The work has mainly focused in securing not only the beaches that we usually patrol, but also the adjacent beaches, with regular patrolling now in the beaches of Gatas, Areia Preta, while the patrol in Canto beach has extended towards the beach of Porto Ferreira. Encounters with poachers have been plenty, however it is the project that so far has no casualties to report! In terms of activity, we report 35 nests in Canto (total of 68 activities) and 38 in Norte (total of 119 activities).

Good work everyone!!!!

Trip report from 2 of our board members

2011-08-24T03:10:00.001-02:00

Two of our board members from Switzerland visited Boavista a few weeks ago and sent in this trip report:

"After working as volunteers on the Turtle Foundation board since 2006 in accounting and administration, we finally made it to visit one of our projects. For 2 weeks we stayed in Boa Vista and accompanied various people who work for our project as staff, volunteers, scientists or soldiers. We were very much impressed by the high motivation of the whole team, even in difficult conditions such as heat and bugs, electricity and water shortage.

We experienced that walking on the beach for 4-5 hours at night can be very exhausting, but to forget this one needs only a look up to the sky with millions of stars and very bright shooting stars, and, of course, when suddenly in the dark a turtle is spotted. The more experienced patrollers (of course, all of them are more experienced then we “office people”) suddenly signalled to stop and go down to the sand and be quiet. We had to wait in this position until the turtle found the perfect spot and decided to dig a nest and lay the eggs.

On our second night on patrol we felt like part of the team already, and we volunteered to be lookouts on the cliff between Lacacao and Curralito. Our task was to look out for the red lights of the patrol who spotted a turtle and then to wake up the scientists. So we did that at 2 am, except that the red lights were only a test and not a signal and there was no turtle, only very confused patrollers because suddenly everybody from the camp was at the beach! Some of them decided to sleep right there in the sand, which was wonderful under the stars and near the waves, and fortunately at 4 a.m. a turtle came and made a nest. So everybody was there when the satellite transmitter was placed on the back of the turtle by the scientists of IMF Geomar Kiel, and in bright day light we all saw her going back to the sea. And the two of us felt better because now we had woken everybody up for a good reason.

We liked the village of Sal Rei very much and walked through almost all the streets. First we saw only a few shops but then we discovered that not all the shops had signs or even windows necessarily. Behind an open door can be a grocery shop, mostly run by Chinese, or we saw somebody coming out of a door with a plastic bag and we discovered a bakery.

We could not get enough looking at the long white sandy beaches with the blue sea and white waves. And we very much enjoyed meeting the friendly local people.

Much impressed and very happy we went back home and back on our computers. We are so glad to be part of this project of protecting sea turtles and we would like to thank everybody for the wonderful job they are doing."

Margrit + Martin, Switzerland

Baby loggerhead turtles tracked for the first time.

2011-08-22T16:30:00.001-02:00

For many populations of sea turtles, we have no idea where they go after they swim off to the sea as hatchlings. It's been called "the lost years". We see them when they show up as juveniles at feeding grounds, or even later. But now, thanks to technology and dedicated sea turtle biologists, the youngest turtles ever tracked have been satellite tagged and followed on a 4500 mile journey in the Atlantic ocean.

BabyTurtles tracked swim 4,500 miles across the Atlantic

Rainny Season is here!!!!!

2011-08-21T14:42:00.000-02:00

Just when you thought you couldn't stand the heat and humidity anymore, and started to believe it would never rain this season, well... it didn't rain, it POURED! Every year Boavista (and most of Cape Verde) is blessed with a miserable week or so of rain, which despite being short, it is pretty intensive. It is that time of the year when streets get flooded, roads get destroyed, crops vanish, sea turns brown...

To our despair, it is also when our camps get blown away by the wind, get flooded by the rain, volunteers desperately try to save their belongings from getting wet while avoiding catching a really bad cold.

Patrolling in the rain is not fun (at least for most, and definitely not the Capeverdeans, who are not that used to it!!!), and coming back to wet clothes and soggy sleeping bag is very unpleasent. However, volunteers and team members in both camps dealt with all the flooding and destruction with a smile.

As for the turtles, yes. The day of the storm, as usual, a high number of turtles came ashore, ensuring that we would get very wait while we waited for each one of them to return safely to the sea. The next day, water was dirty, smelly and cold. We got wet for nothing, they didn't come!! Yet, we patiently patrol and wait for those who come anyways, raining or not.

But its not all bad, this rain. After all, it is after the rainy season, that Boavista has more reasons to smile. The same annoying and disruptive rain that drives us crazy for a couple of weeks a year eventually give away to the brightest shades of green, to new plants growing everywhere, to fat and healthy looking goats and dunkeys. It is now that Boavista gets rid of all the dust in accumulated for months, and looks really clean. And beautiful. As always, but with brighter colours.

Scout group participates in Boa Esperança

2011-08-12T13:47:00.001-02:00

It was in August that the first (and hopefuly not the last) group of Scouts from Boavista participated for the weekend in the protection camp of Boa Esperança.

João Monteiro, one of our local assistants, and also a scouts leader took the initiative, taking only 4 members to see how it would work out. It is hoped that the positive experience will result in more local groups like this one to participate.

Below is the report made by João about the weekend (in Portuguese). He highlighted the interaction with Turtle Foundation activities, as well as the warm welcome received. Other highlights included what the scouts learnt about turtles, their habitats and trash. This group also contributed to the collection of a relatively large amount of trash.

Turtle Foundation was delighted to have worked with the Scouts group, and looks forward to more visits. Thank you!

Relatório do Acampamento CECCV

CECCV- Corpo Escuteiro Católico Cabo-verdiano

No dia 8 de Agosto de 2011 o agrupamento nº5 da Boa Esperança em Boa Vista realizou o 1º acampamento com quatro jovens de ambos os sectores excepto o chefe do grupo.

Actualmente o grupo tem quinze (15) elementos que estão distribuídos em duas secções:

Secção A-Lobito- Com elementos dos seis (6) a doze (12) anos que tem a cor de lenço amarela;

Secção B-Explorador Com membros dos treze (13) aos quinze (15) anos que possuem a cor de lenço verde , enquanto o chefe do acampamento tem a cor de lenço vermelho.

Objectivos Gerais

-Despertar os jovens para a adesão ao grupo de escuteiro católico;

-Promover a divulgação de CECCV;

-Fortalecer e promover laços de amizades entre os escuteiros de varias culturas;

Objectivos Específicos

--Criar um núcleo de expansão do CECCV na ilha da Boa Vista;

-Despertar nos jovens o interesse para a protecção do ambiente e as suas vantagens;

-Sensibilizar a população para o trabalho do voluntariado e ao perigo da extinção das tartarugas marinhas em Cabo Verde;

-Dar oportunidade aos escuteiros a participação nas desovas das tartarugas marinhas;

-Muita criatividade em desenhar as tartarugas e o símbolo do escuteiro no chão;

Aspectos Positivos:

Bom gesto de fraternidade e oportunidade do Turtle Foundation com o grupo dos escuteiros em termos de alojamento durante os três dias de acampamento, também tiveram oportunidade de aprender varias coisas interessantes sobre as tartarugas marinhas com dois dias de formação em que falaram sobre a ( Biodiversidade marinha , tartarugas marinhas , o lixo e as principais ameaças as tartarugas e muitos participantes interessaram para o período de ovação das tartarugas.

-Boa aceitação e acolhimento dos assistentes local e voluntários;

-Aspectos negativos:

-Fraca participação de elementos na acampamento;

-Falta de organização e muita timidez por parte dos participantes no primeiro dia.

Participantes:

Chefe do grupo: João Monteiro

Secção Lobito:

Secção Explorador: Marcos da Lomba

- Beto Lima

-Márcio André

OBS: Durante os três dias de acampamento o grupo fez duas campanhas de limpeza na praia de Boa Esperança, onde o projecto do

Turtle Foundation fez a protecção e conservação das tartarugas marinhas.

First hatchlings of the season!

2011-08-12T02:24:00.003-02:00

From Joana: Its official!!! The first hatchlings of the season have been recorded at Curral Velho beach!!! Will post some pictures if they become available :-) (Here's a picture of a hatchling while we're waiting)

Satellite tagged turtles return to nest again

2011-08-12T02:02:00.000-02:00

From our field coordinator, Joana Hancock:
Two of the turtles tagged with satellite transmitters have already returned to Lacacão beach and nested successfully. We're very happy to see that the transmitters seem to be still safely installed, and that they have not altered the turtle's nesting behaviour. Soon, update of their movements!

(Loggerhead photo courtesy of volunteer Julie Walmsley)

"School in Nature" program is back!!

2011-08-08T16:44:00.007-02:00

Following of the success of the "School in Nature" program last year, mainly in Boa Esperança beach, Turtle Foundation has started a new season last weekend. As last year, the 3 day/2 night program includes oral presentations, video presentations, games on the beach, a lot of beach cleaning, and of course, participation in the night patrols.

This time working with our own limited funds, and independently from the Clube Ambiental da Boavista, we have decided to take a step further, and work with groups both from Boavista, as well as from other islands as well. The first edition this season counted with the participation of 10 local kids, as well as 10 youngsters from the city of Praia, in collaboration with a project that promotes social inclusion of troubled teenagers from the capital.

This exchange was great. Some of these kids have had serious problems at home, or have been living rough in the past years, and it was very nice to see them relax and enjoy a stay in one of the most beautiful beaches of Boavista, in full contact with nature. Some had the opportunity to see turtles nesting as well. The foundation "Infância Feliz" was created by the current First Lady of Cape Verde, Adelcia Pires, who Turtle Foundation had the honour to meet several times; the main purpose of this foundation is to promote the rights of Cape Verdean children regardless of where he or she lives with special focus on at-risk children.

This collaboration started with the goal of strengthening the ties between the First Lady and Turtle Foundation, in a sign of mutual respect for eachother's work. We hope to receive at least one more group this season! (for full description of this foundation -in portuguese only- we suggest this website: http://vozesdadiaspora.blogs.sapo.cv/8065.html).

At least 4 more camps are planned during the season, in Boa Esperança, Canto and Varandinha beaches, and we are currenlty starting new collaborations with other partners, such as Galaxy group, Estrelas de Rabil, and Instituto Caboverdiano da Criança e Adolescente, all based in Boavista. Also, this project has been supported so far by CV Telecom, ASA, and the Marine Club. Thank you!

Keep an eye for more news about this project!

Three turtles equipped with satellite transmitters at Lacacão Beach

2011-07-30T12:25:00.000-02:00

In the last week of July, Turtle Foundation Camp in Lacacão was invaded by this sense of mission, urgency and excitement! A research project, led by Dr. Christophe Eizaguirre and Victor Stiebens from the University of Kiel, a collaboration with Turtle Foundation and the INDP (National Institute of Fisheries Development), required the placement of three satellite trackers on loggerheads in Boavista.

With the season taking off with a slow start, but research needs a priority, a set of invited scientists with a tight schedule waited with impatience night after night for three shelled candidates for a satellite transmitter. On the second night (23rd of July) luck struck us, and around 4am the team got warned that a turtle was nesting in Curralito beach. This was double luck for us, as not only it meant that we would only finish our work with the turtle with the sun rising, but also that everyone in the camp could come and see it once it was released back in the ocean.

All work was done under the close supervision and guidance of the experienced Dr. Gail Schofield (University of Swansea, UK). The next two transmitters didn't get placed until the 25th of July, but once again, on a lucky night, two turtles came ashore almost at the same time, this time in Lacacão beach, this time early in the night. We all sighed with relief, and were very happy with this sense that the hardest part of the field work was accomplished.

Now the research will continue. The transmitters are obtaining information about water temperature, salinity among other physio-chemical properties of the ocean water, while movements of the turtles, both inter-nesting and post-migration will be recorded. At the beach, information about physical condition of the nesting sea turtles, parasite presence as well as a genetic study is still taking place by the researchers of the University of Kiel, who will remain with us most of the season at the Lacacão Camp.

We are very thankful for the trust deposited in Turtle Foundation by all members of the research team. We wish all of them good luck, and good work!!

Jake Woodier report from Lacacão Camp

2011-07-25T10:53:00.002-02:00

By Jake Woodier

I arrived in Cape Verde without much of a clue of what I had volunteered for except that I would be taking part in hard, but very important work to protect Loggerhead Turtles which I knew are an endangered species. After landing at the airport I was picked up by Ukie of the Turtle Foundation and then we made our way to the office which is in Sal Rei, the biggest town on the island. When we got to the office I was introduced to the team of Christian, Julio and Joana who I had previously met when I was studying Marine Biology and Ecology at Falmouth Marine School. Now was the time to drive to Lacacao Camp where I am spending my entire stay and this is where I will start the work of doing my part to help protect Loggerheads that come ashore to nest.

After 3 and a half weeks of working here I now understand not only why the Loggerhead is protected because of its endangered species status but also because it is an incredible creature. The first turtle that I was lucky enough to see nest appeared on July 15^th and I can easily say that it was one of the most amazing moments of my life. As soon as the turtle was spotted I was captivated by its pure brilliance and magnificent beauty. As part of the work I am doing here I measured the top of the carapace or shell of the turtle along the width and the length which was the first bit of hands on work for me. I then watched as another more experienced member of the team tagged the turtle so that we can record data if she comes to nest again on one of the beaches that we protect. After she finished nesting she started to move sideways along the beach seemingly toward the ambient lighting but then after 30 or so minutes she gracefully dissappeared into the ocean to hopefully come back and nest again.

Life in camp is really amazing and wasn't too hard to adjust to after spending the last two years in student accommodation. The camp never really has a dull moment as there is always discussion to be had as there are so many interesting personalities staying due to having a team of international volunteers. We also have many tasks to do during the day which have included extending our kitchen area with a new wall of palm leaves to give extra space as the team grows larger. You start to fall into a routine in the camp which I can't complain about which involved waking up to have a coffee and some breakfast which is sometimes cooked like an omlette, then spend some time doing any chores that need to be done for the day, read a book for a while, do any maintenance work in the camp, peel some vegetables for lunch, eat some lunch, read more and then head down to the beach to swim for a while, eat a bit more, read, sleep, help with the hatchery, return to camp, peel more vegetables, write in journal, patrol or sleep for a few hours then patrol.

I have also visited the town of Sal Rei for a break which was needed to rest thoroughly after working for a long time. The town is very small but very nice and includes an assortment of cafe/bars, food shops and souveneir shops. The people in Sal Rei are always talkative and very friendly and are always interested when you tell them you are volunteering for the Turtle Foundation. If you have a laptop you are able to use wi-fi for free in the town square which is where the majority of people can be found. If you cannot use the wi-fi then there are a couple of places in town to use the internet to keep in touch with family and friends if you are volunteering for a long time. I am here for 7 weeks so after three I decided it was important to use the internet to update my family and friends properly and it was good to catch up with my family.

One of the highlights of my time here was spending my birthday on the island as the camp went to a huge effort to make cake, special food and gave me the luxury of choosing my patrol for the night. All things considered it was one of my best birthdays and it was highly enjoyable

News from our colleagues in Sal: turtle saved from slaughter

2011-07-24T06:08:00.000-02:00

A very lucky turtle was found by rangers in Sal who found her almost completely buried in the sand. The hunters would certainly have come back later to kill her. For pictures, see SOS Tartaruga's Facebook page.

Sea turtle research partnership

2011-07-20T22:11:00.002-02:00

Great news! On July 18th a team of scientists arrived in Boavista, to carry on a very important sea turtle study. This research will be carried out by a partnership between the INDP and University of Kiel, with the collaboration of Turtle Foundation. We are very excited! Original posting from the INDP can be found on the following link (in Portuguese) http://blogdastartarugas.blogs.sapo.cv/33358.html

The translation follows:

Scientific research in partnership with the University of Kiel / INDP
July 18, 2011

In 2011, besides continuing with the collection of genetic data, also during the breeding season of the Caretta caretta (loggerhead turtle or common), six transmitters will be attached to breeding females to follow their migratory route via satalite.

The activity has the funding and scientific support of two experts, Dr. Victor and Dr. Christophe Eizaguirre Stiebens, Leibniz Institute of Marine Sciences IFM-GEOMAR in Kiel.

Satellite tagging and oceanographic data will provide knowledge of the regions in which these marine turtles feed and reside between nesting events.

Two main objectives:

1) Contribute to research on the migratory routes of sea turtles during and after the nesting season, the better to establish programs to protect them. Cape Verde hosts the third largest world population of the species C. caretta, but its dynamics remains a mystery. The satellite transmitters will allow monitoring of the species around the islands and also get information about the depth that can be achieved, the feeding grounds, among others.

2) In the context of climate change, there is another emerging threat, with the possible increase of diseases in marine animals caused by global warming, becoming a new challenge of science and survival of sea turtles. The transmitters allow collection of oceanographic information such as the variation of temperature, salinity and oxygen, which are fundamental parameters to increase knowledge about the oceans, therefore, an asset for protection programs and management of marine resources.

Triple surprise for birthday team in Boa Esperança Camp!

2011-07-07T14:48:00.009-02:00

This week was full of surprises for the Boa Esperança Camp. With three of its staff members celebrating their birthday around the same date, surely we had to throw some sort of celebration! The first surprise was on the 4th of July, when Julie and Ronny were on patrol on their birthday, and they tagged the first turtle of the season in Boa Esperança :-)

On the 6th it was Wilson's time to celebrate so... We came in! The cake was a surprise easy to predict, but surely Julie, Ronny and Wilson didn't expect a crowd to burst into the camp at tea time with some nice chocolate cake and cold drinks! So it was great to see their faces when a car full of people arrived ready to celebrate their birthday.

However, the biggest surprise was given by the team itself. While on censo in the nearby beach of Agua Doce, Julie and Emma Lockley came across a glass bottle freshly washed ashore with... A MESSAGE.

Of course most would think that surely these things only happen in the movies, but it was true, we were all very excited! We careful broke the bottle, to reveal the its contents.

It wasn't as exciting as someone lost in a desert island needing help, but, you can read the message in the photo. Emma already emailed the sailors who sent the message, will let you know the outcomes!

Turtle Foundation visits projects in S. Nicolau

2011-07-07T14:38:00.003-02:00

São Nicolau is thought to be the forth most important island for loggerhead sea turtle nesting in Cape Verde, recording each year 300 nests or more on its tiny beaches.

Participants in the workshop that took place in Ribeira Brava

The two workshops counted with the participation of local volunteers, authorities, government representatives, a representative of INDP and one representative of Turtle Foundation, Joana Hancock. Turtle Foundation was asked to talk about sea turtle biology, beach monitoring protocol, and the importance of conservation projects as well as socio-economic alternatives.

We were pleased to see so much interest from the local municipalities and authorities in collaborating with the local efforts.

Currently several initiatives are taking place in the island, including "Esperança" project, with the collaboration of Camara Municipal de Ribeira Brava and the INDP, while the protection of the north of the island is assured by Camara Municiapl do Tarrafal de S. Nicolau.

Original article announcing the worshop in S. Nicolau:
http://asemana.sapo.cv/spip.php?article65940&ak=1

For more ifnormation about the Esperança project, visit their blog (in Portuguese):
http://blogdastartarugas.blogs.sapo.cv/tag/s%C3%A3o+nicolauNicolau.

For more background information about the porject in Tarrafal de S. Nicolau:
http://saonicolaunews2.blogspot.com/2009/06/s-nicolau-campanha-proteccao-tartarugas.html

Marine Park to be created on Boavista

2011-06-30T05:38:00.000-02:00

Funding of 183 Million USD has been agreed to set up "Protected Areas" to safeguard 47 Ecosystems in Cape Verde. As part of the project 7 "National Parks" will be created including a Marine Park on Boa Vista.
Here is the article (in Portuguese): Projecto internacional prevê criação de Parques Naturais

Up and running...

2011-06-29T16:56:00.004-02:00

This last week has been very busy for all of us. After a few days at Lacacão Camp for some training, and also for all the team members to get to know each other, the different teams parted and headed to their own project sites.

We are very pleased that we have been able to start early this season, even though we have to report already 2 killings... it is almost unbelieveble how these turtles got caught even though no activity had yet been recorded. In any case, patrols are now up and running in all project sites, even though we haven't got soldiers yet confirmed. Our local assistants and few volunteers that already started to arrive (both local and foreign) have done a fab job so far, doing what they can to ensure that the beaches are protected most of the night.

Although the start has been slow, we have now recorded nests in each of the beaches patrolled by Turtle Foundation, 8 in total! The last few days have seen an increase in activity, and we even tagged our first two turtles already. That was a good start!

More news to follow, stay tuned!

Team Cabo Verde (so far)

2011-06-28T05:27:00.000-02:00

2011 Team almost complete!

First row (low): Domingos, Divaldo (coord. LCC), Ronny Cleyton, Ginshu (Dog), Christian Roder (coord. TF), Red (LCC), Joana (Coord. TF)

Second row (high): Wilson, Manu (coord. Boa Esp), João II, Nais (LCC), João I, Vasco, Joana Nicolau (coord. Fundo) (in front), Kevin Methuen (LCC), Amanda Dutra (coord. LCC), Batcha (Fundo) e Vitor (coord. Fundo)

A volunteer shares her photos

2011-06-28T04:24:00.002-02:00

Kathrin Schulte volunteered with Turtle Foundation on Boavista last here. Here are some photos of her experience:
photos from a volunteer

Some updates from the field on Boavista

2011-06-27T21:42:00.002-02:00

From Joana Hancock:

training session for the crew

June 26^th: This week started the best way possible! The first nests have been recorded, two turtles have already been tagged. Life's good! Last night, first turtle tagged in NORTE!

June 22^nd: Yay! First nest recorded this morning in Boa Esperança!! And first nest recorded last night in Curral Velho!

Day before, it was Lacacão team opening the honours in Curral Velho beach :-)

TURTLE FOUNDATION all set for a new season!

2011-06-22T14:34:00.001-02:00

Turtle Foundation in Boa Vista island just finished setting the second of its three sea turtle protection base camps, and has officially started its season.

This year TF will protect the beaches of Curral Velho, Lacacão, Boa Esperança, Norte and Canto, ensuring that most of the nesting beaches along the north, northeast and south of the island are protected against poaching. The first camp to be set up was the one located in Lacacão beach, where the new RIU Touareg opened just a few weeks ago, and the new construction phase is due to start anytime soon. Additionally, TF will fund the local initiative Projecto “Varandinha – Povoação Velha”. With the work of TF, this group and Natura 2000, we are hoping that about 90% of the nesting beaches are fully protected, which is great news!

Relatório da Temporada 2010 já disponível!

2011-06-15T22:00:00.003-02:00

Finalmente pusémos no nosso site o Relatório Final de temporada de 2010., para que aqueles interssados possam aceder.

Este documento contém básicamente um relato de tudo o que fizémos (ou tentámos fazer!) no último ano. O balanço final foi muito positivo, mas faltou muito para fazer... com a temporada de 2011 a arrancar hoje, só podemos desejar que este ano tenhamos oportunidades e condições de continuar sempre a fazer mais e melhor!

Obrigada a todos os que nos apoiaram (e ainda têm fé em nós ;-) )!

Turtle Foundation

Click no link abaixo para aceder ao documento:

http://www.turtle-foundation.org/Portals/0/Content/TF%20CV%20relato%CC%81rio%202010%20PT.pdf

Some bad news

2011-06-15T21:56:00.000-02:00

From Joana, our field coordinator on Boavista:
Some bad news... the first turtle has been caught and killed (ALREADY) on one of the beaches up in the north of the island. We are needing volunteers URGENTLY to help us in the Fundo das Figueiras project. We are due to start patrols on the 19th this month... If you are wondering what to do in late June, and July, don't think twice, and come, we really need some help!!!!

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A REALLY UNIQUE EXPERIENCE? WOULD YOU LIKE TO DO SOMETHING MEANINGFUL DURING YOUR HOLIDAYS?

2011-06-12T13:02:00.002-02:00

THEN WHY NOT BECOME A VOLUNTEER FOR THE TURTLE FOUNDATION? READ WHAT FORMER VOLUNTEERS WROTE ABOUT THEIR EXPERIENCE:

"At the end of May this year when my degree course was complete, I had a choice to make; stay in my comfy-but-boring office job, or do something out of the ordinary. My degree was in Biology and I have always loved animals (especially reptiles) so the turtle project in Cape Verde looked like a good fit for me. This turned out to be, unequivocally, the best decision I have ever made, and something I would recommend to anyone ..." (James Barnes, UK)

”Most people just exist, dreaming of crazy adventure but never doing anything about it – ... whilst you have a breath in your body and can handle tiring exercise five hours per evening – then you’d be doing yourself and Your life a great favour by contacting The Turtle Foundation and committing to volunteering your holiday time next summer to travelling to Boa Vista and experiencing something you really don’t find in your daily life!! Heck, some of us gave up two months of our lives for some of the most intense, exciting and beautiful experiences of our lives. . . . the culture and craziness of the work with the other volunteers can’t help but entice anybody brave enough to jump in and be part of something very special." (Martin Sansone, UK)
"Ich liege mitten in der Nacht am Strand im weißen, warmen Sand, irgendwo auf dieser faszinierenden Insel Boavista, mit ihrer unglaublichen Landschaft, die anders ist als alles, was ich zuvor gesehen habe. Ich schaue Richtung Meer, wo die Wellen unaufhörlich rauschen, betrachte den üppigen Sternenhimmel und bin zufrieden. Neben mir nistet eine unechte Karettschildkröte, Caretta caretta, der Grund warum ich hier bin." (Astrid Mittelstaedt, Deutschland)

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND APPLICATION. IF YOU HAVE FRIENDS WHO MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING, PLEASE DO PASS THE WORD ON. WE ARE IN NEED OF ADDITIONAL VOLUNTEERS FOR THIS NESTING SEASON.

TURTLE FOUNDATION - because extinction means forever!
www.turtle-foundation.org

Countdown to the season start!

2011-06-11T20:46:00.000-02:00

So plans are underway for the start of the season, and we've been busy! Setting up equipment, interviewing people, planning data collection and training, and so on, so on... and our first volunteer comes tomorrow!!!

Today we did our first survey of Boa Esperança beach... somewhat relieved that there are no signs of activity yet either... the camp is planned to be ready on the 21st!!! The beach looks as beautiful as ever, and we are all very excited with the start of the season! :-)

The first camp to be set up is the Lacacão Camp, planned to open on the 15th. Around the 21st we will start the patrols on Norte and Canto beaches, and inaugurate the Boa Esperança Camp. Then, finally, we are all set.

LET THE TURTLES COME!

TRAGA UM AMIGO E GANHE DESCONTO! BRING A FRIEND AND GET A DISCOUNT!

2011-06-08T15:12:00.002-02:00

TRAGA UM AMIGO E GANHE DESCONTO!

A Turtle Foundation agora oferece descontos nas taxas de participação para grupos de amigos que venham juntos participar de nosso programa de voluntariado e de estágios.

Estadias de 2 a 6 semanas terão os custos descontados de 14 EUR a 12 EUR diários, enquanto estadias de 6 semanas ou mais terão redução de 10 EUR a 8 EUR por dia. Estes descontos aplicam não só para todos aqueles que trouxerem um amigo ou amiga, mas também os amigos!

Há também promoção especial para casais, que terão taxas de participação reduzida de 14 EUR para 10 EUR (estadia de 2 a 6 semanas) e de 10 EUR para 8 EUR (estadia de 6 semanas ou mais). Mas pedimos que tragam a sua própria tenda ;-)

Para mais informações, contacte-nos pelo volunteers@turtle-foundation.org

BRING A FRIEND AND GET A DISCOUNT!

The Turtle Foundations is now offering group discounts for friends and colleagues who come together to participate in our volunteering and internship programs.

If you bring your friends for 2 to 6 weeks stays you and your friends will benefit from a discount on the daily fee; this will decrease from 14 EUR to 12 EUR. Stays of more than 6 weeks will have the daily fee reduced from 10 EUR to 8 EUR :-)

There's also a promotional rate for couples: participation fee will be reduced from 14 EUR to 10 EUR (2 to 6 weeks stay) and from 10 EUR to 8 EUR (stays longer than 6 weeks), but you will have to bring your own tent ;-)

More inquiries email us at volunteers@turtle-foundation.org

Perda de habitat é o maior constrangimento na preservação de tartarugas, defende organização

2011-06-07T09:00:00.000-02:00

Original Article
http://noticias.sapo.mz/lusa/artigo/12622497.html

Cidade da Praia, 31 mai (Lusa) - A perda de habitat, nomeadamente de praias para nidificação, é um dos constrangimentos identificados, sobretudo na ilha da Boavista, para as tartarugas marinhas que, em Cabo Verde, têm um dos principais pontos de desova. A conclusão é da Taola, a Rede Nacional de Protecção das Tartarugas Marinhas de Cabo Verde, que apresentou hoje as recomendações na terceira reunião anual, que decorre até quarta-feira na Cidade da Praia.

Em declarações aos jornalistas, a bióloga Mara Abu-Raya, investigadora e docente do Departamento de Engenharias e Ciências do Mar da Universidade de Cabo Verde (Uni-CV) e coordenadora da organização da reunião, os constrangimentos devem-se às ameaças naturais, à dinâmica normal das zonas, como pela questão da construção na orla costeira e da iluminação, sendo as ilhas turísticas, como Sal e Boavista, onde mais se identifica a perda de habitat. "A ilha da Boavista é uma preocupação, porque é onde temos cerca de 90 por cento da nossa população nidificante. Cabo Verde tem a terceira maior população de tartarugas marinhas a nível do Atlântico", explicou a bióloga.

Mara Abu-Raya acredita que o problema poderá ser facilmente mitigado, com a diminuição da iluminação nas praias, mudando o tipo e a posição da luz. "A captura, que antes era a nossa maior ameaça, já diminuiu muito. Já houve várias campanhas de sensibilização, porque os projetos trabalham principalmente com comunidades locais, que têm ajudado", referiu, exemplificando que quem dirige o projeto na ilha de Santo Antão é a própria comunidade da Cruzinha.

A Brava é a única ilha habitada que ainda não está contemplada neste projeto de preservação de tartarugas marinhas, havendo pólos nas restantes oito -- Fogo, Santiago, Maio, Boavista, Sal, São Nicolau, São Vicente e Santo Antão.

Presente na reunião, o secretário de Estado dos Recursos Marinhos cabo-verdiano, Adalberto Vieira, deu conta dos projetos em curso no domínio da prevenção, destinados sobretudo a estudar as causas subjacentes à captura das tartarugas marinhas.

Um deles, disse, prende-se com a criação das condições para que as pessoas não tenham, por razões económicas, a necessidade de proceder à captura das tartarugas. "Temos também em curso projetos no campo da fiscalização e mormente no campo da repressão, onde pretendemos melhorar a aplicação prática das medidas repressivas, demonstrando às pessoas que eventualmente persistam na captura das tartarugas marinhas que o crime não compensa", acrescentou o governante.

Adalberto Vieira sublinhou que as campanhas de sensibilização estão a dar resultados porque as pessoas estão a consciencializarem-se que, de facto, não compensa a captura da tartaruga marinha, um património natural do arquipélago, com elevado potencial turístico e não só.

"Daí, a necessidade da sua preservação", frisou, considerando que a rede Taola constitui um "exemplo pragmático" do que é que se pode fazer a nível das entidades oficiais no que toca à preservação das tartarugas, em colaboração com as privadas.

JSD.

Lusa/Fim

TAOLA - The Cape Verdean Sea Turtle Network meets in Praia

2011-06-07T08:54:00.001-02:00

The Cape Verdean Sea Turtle Conservation Network, "Taola", met last week in Praia, Santiago, in a 3 day event that started on May the 30th.

Organized for the third year on the row, representatives of all the sea turtle initiatives in the country, gathered to present their project results and plans for 2011, and to discuss important issues such as the need to catalogue all nesting beaches, protection and law enforcement issues, regulation of turtle-watching activities, among others.

Side events included a "batucada" show, a visit to the local sea turtle protection initiative in São Francisco.

The first turtle arrived!!!!

2011-06-07T08:31:00.000-02:00

Its with excitement that we announce that the first turtles have started to arrive in both Boavista and Sal, according to our colleagues of Natura 2000 and SOS Tartarugas!

The first nest was recorded in Ervatão beach (Boavista) on the 25th of May, while the first track was recorded on the 4th of June. These early records have surprised us all. Will it be the anticipation of a great season?

WE HOPE SO!! :-)

In the meantime, Turtle Foundation preparations are underway, with camp coordinators and local assistants finding their way to Boavista in the next few days. Equipment are all set, and plans are underway for an early start (planned for the 15th of June).

Now we just have to wait for our first turtles appearing on "our" beaches. Exciting!!! We will let you know, for sure!

http://turtlesoscaboverde.blogspot.com/2011/06/you-know-turtle-season-has-started-when.html

Turtle Foundation receives grant from SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund

2011-05-26T16:12:00.000-02:00

Turtle Foundation is thrilled to announce that we have received a SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund grant in support of our loggerhead conservation project in Cape Verde. This fund has granted over 6 million dollars to more than 500 projects worldwide for wildlife conservation, research and education. We are happy to be associated with SeaWorld and Busch Gardens and to share their goal of encouraging stewardship of the natural world and its wonders. For more information on their work, go to: http://www.swbg-conservationfund.org/

Workshop presentation of the "National Plan for the Conservation of Sea Turtles in Cape Verde"

2011-05-26T14:54:00.001-02:00

"The national plan for the conservation of marine turtles in Cape Verde" will come into force later this year and will be made known in all the islands in the coming months, said the coordinator of the plan, Sonia Araujo, the Directorate-General Environment.

The plan announced yesterday that the government provides for "ensuring sustainable conservation of sea turtles," providing the means to implement conservation activities and promote the application of the law.

Cape Verde ratified the Convention on Biological Diversity in 1995 and since 2005 is part of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Regionally, Cape Verde is part of the Regional Programme for the Conservation of Marine and Coastal Zone of West Africa (PRCM) and the Regional Unit Conservation of Sea Turtles of the Atlantic Coast of Africa (URTOMA).

Although this plan has been ratified, and laws already exist to protect the turtles, enforcement has been problematic and the slaughter has continued, prompting Turtle Foundation's protection project. Turtle Foundation is working with the government and all stakeholders to help implement the National Plan.

Interestingly, if my google translate is correct, the article states that the loggerhead turtles"are not yet on the list of endangered animals in the short term". I beg to differ with that assessment; this population is currently listed as threatened and under review for listing as endangered.

The original article is in Portuguese and may be viewed here: Sistema de Informação Ambiental

New hotel RIU – TOUAREG is now open in Lacacão beach

2011-05-11T13:03:00.009-02:00

It was about a week ago that the controversial new hotel in Lacacão beach was inaugurated and welcomed their first guests (Fig.1).

Built in one of the most important nesting sites of the Loggerhead sea turtle in Cape Verde, Lacacão beach, its construction phase caused many environmental and social impacts in the island, and was the main reason why Turtle Foundation initiated a protection program here in 2009. With more than 500 construction site workers based at the construction site during the nesting season, poaching of the turtles was a recurrent problem, and very difficult to control. Despite our efforts, several dozens of turtles were slaughtered on this beach in the last few years.

As the construction is now completed, we hope that the poaching pressure will decrease. However new problems will arise, most importantly the impact of the lights from the hotel in the behaviour of nesting turtles and emerging hatchlings (Fig.2); removal of natural nesting sites for creation of leisure areas (Fig.3); obstruction to nesting females by beach furniture (Fig.4), easier access to the beach due to improved roads (Fig.5) (All images presented are from the new hotel, and were taken this week).

Over the last week Turtle Foundation staff participated in several meetings with responsibles from TUI and RIU, to try to find a effective collaboration in the mitigation of the impact of the threats mentioned above. This included the visit of an expert on the mitigation of light impact on nesting beaches from Florida, Mr. Erik Martin (from our blog: http://turtlefoundationcv.blogspot.com/2011/04/lighting-specialist-travels-to-cape.html), and the presentation of a detailed proposal. We will also carry out an intensive nest management program on this beach, as well as conduct a study on the impact of the lights on the behaviour of both nesting turtles and hatchlings.

The nesting season is due to start in about 1 month, and we are expectant to see whether the suggested measures will take place, and that the impact of this hotel will cause minimum impact on the nesting turtles and hatchlings. Please visit our blog for updates in the following months.

For more information about this hotel, the future Lacacão Golf and Beach Resort, and other related news, visit the following link:

http://www.lacacao.com/

http://www.riu.com/en/Paises/cape-verde/boa-vista/clubhotel-riu-touareg/index.jsp

Turtle Foundation supports new turtle project in Boavista

2011-05-11T12:51:00.003-02:00

We are proud to announce that in 2011 season, Turtle Foundation will support a community project aimed at the protection of the turtles nesting in the 3 Km long Varandinha beach, in south Boa Vista.

In late 2009, our team visited the beach of Varandinha, one of the prettiest in the island, to find more than 60 carcasses of slaughtered turtles (see prevous post on our website: http://www.turtle-foundation.org/NewsWeblog/tabid/70/EntryID/153/Default.aspx); it was obvious that this beach needed urgent protection. The community based project started in 2010 with the financial support of GEF – Small Grants Program, however funding didn’t come through for 2011, meaning the beach would be left unprotected. When we heard these bad news, we immediately decided to fund the protection program there.

This initiative is unique in the island, in that protection is ensured by a group of 14 people from Povoação Velha, several of them were former poachers. The leader of this group, Eng. Henrique Cruz, is a well respected person in the island, and president of the Fishermen’s Association of Boavista. About this partnership he said “we are thrilled about this support, and happy that we can continue this important work, to prevent the sea turtles to be slaughtered in this beach and ensure that the turtles are saved for future generations”. He highlighted that future goals of this initiative will include development of ecotourism initiatives, and the creation of an environmental information centre.

Our team is very excited about this collaboration, and wishes this group a very successful season!

More turtle art, more from our volunteers!

2011-05-10T18:17:00.008-02:00

Besides being volunteer in the Turtle Foundation Projects, Sam Francis is also the director and designer of Dirty Graffix, a company specialized in clothing design. He created a t-shirt "inspired by the 1 in only 1000 baby turtles that make it to adulthood". Check it out: http://www.dirtygraffix.co.uk/product/go-tee

Sam Francis' blog about his volunteer experiences

2011-05-06T23:54:00.000-02:00

Sam was a volunteer with Turtle Foundation last September (during the rainy season!). He's written a blog about his experiences - it's wonderful! Here are some excerpts:

"My day to day life goes like this- wake up breakfast coffee swim read walk eat swim games sleep, then it gets to the evening and eat patrol poachers tag turtle help turtle monitor turtle chill sleep. I love it."

"Almost every one I have met here has been really honest, genuine and friendly. Its refreshing and an amazing lesson in life being here. Every one is from a different background, a different country, working in different roles and yet we work so well together. . . Being here is not just beneficial for the turtles, its also about living and working together with people who until now had not existed in your life. It really is a great lesson and experience."

"It was an amazing feeling, my first releases. The feelings of satisfaction, triumphant hope, and the journey ahead all mixed together. The finish line had been reached for these hatchlings; the ultimate reason beyond the poachers, tagging the mothers and collecting the research came at this point. The final part of the reason I was there, the moment I had been waiting for was bliss."

check it out:
http://samfrancisview.blogspot.com/

More turtle art

2011-05-06T23:14:00.000-02:00

My grandmother, an artist, has been doing some work inspired by the oil spill. Her name is Olga Seem, and here are two of her latest works, called "Crude Attack." Other recent work, ocean related, can be seen at http://www.davisandcline.com/Artist-Detail.cfm?ArtistsID=285&CFID=26103647&CFTOKEN=31226443.

Study looks at risk of pollution for Loggerhead Sea Turtles

2011-05-06T10:50:00.000-02:00

THE NEW YORK TIMES , April 25, 2011

Migrating Sea Turtles Pick Up More Pollution

By NICHOLAS BAKALAR

One of the many threats loggerhead sea turtles face is man-made pollution, but the extent of the risk is a question. To begin to look for the answer scientists have measured contaminants in the blood of a group of adult male turtles and tracked their migration along the Atlantic Coast.

The group, led by Jared M. Ragland, a graduate student at the College of Charleston, in Charleston, S.C., captured 19 loggerheads near Cape Canaveral, Fla., in 2006 and 2007. Group members measured and weighed the turtles, took blood samples, and examined their reproductive systems with testicular biopsies. Then they fitted them with satellite transmitters and released them. Over two months, 10 of the animals traveled north as far as Cape May, N.J., while nine remained near Cape Canaveral.

The study, published in the journal Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, found that the animals had measurable blood levels of 67 different chemicals used in pesticides and other industrial products. The loggerheads that migrated had higher levels than those that stayed near Florida, confirming prior research that found more pollutants in turtles in northern latitudes.

It is possible that the fish and invertebrates that turtles feed on in northern waters are more polluted, but the scientists point out that turtles that migrate eat more, and therefore consume more pollutants. Migrating turtles were on average larger than the permanent residents.

The animals seemed healthy, researchers said, but what constitutes good health in an adult male loggerhead is not clear. “These were reproductively active animals,” said Jennifer M. Keller, a co-author of the study and a biologist with the National Institute of Standards and Technology. “But the males have higher blood levels of contaminants than the juveniles, and that adds to our concern.”

From:

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/26/science/26obturtles.html?_r=2&src=recg

Claire Ferguson draws us a picture

2011-04-29T04:30:00.000-02:00

This beautiful drawing was sent to Turtle Foundation by Claire Ferguson, 8 years old, from Rochester Hills, Michigan. We are so happy Claire thought of us, and that she loves turtles as much as we do. Claire is helping us speak for the turtles, and the turtles are saying "save me". We're doing our best, for Claire and the turtles.

Lighting specialist travels to Cape Verde for Turtle Foundation

2011-04-26T02:19:00.000-02:00

Erik Martin, a specialist in turtle-friendly lighting for hotels and other beach-front construction projects on turtle nesting beaches, will be traveling to Cape Verde in May to meet with representatives of the RIU hotel and TUI, a German travel agency that books most of the guests that stay at the RIU hotels on Boavista Island. There is already a RIU hotel near the capital, but a second hotel is opening in May called RIU Touareg on Lacacao Beach on the southern part of the island. Situated on a section of the beach heavily used by the nesting loggerhead turtles, the RIU Touareg has 880 rooms, 5 restaurants, 5 fresh-water and 3 salt-water swimming pools, and hundreds of lounge chairs on the beach. The lights from the hotel, the presence of tourists, lights, and vehicles on the beach, and the building and construction itself threaten the success of the nesting turtles and hatchlings. Adult female turtles may avoid emerging on the beach due to the lights, or become disoriented before or after nesting and have difficulty finding their way back to the sea. Hatchlings are attracted to light, which on a dark beach is the direction of the ocean, but when they see artificial lights they go the wrong way and often die of dehydration or being eaten by crabs, birds, or other predators. Erik and Turtle Foundation hope that RIU and TUI will work with us to find the most turtle-friendly lighting options for the RIU Touareg that will minimize the negative impact on the nesting turtles. Turtle Foundation will be collecting data on the effects of the hotel's lights on the turtles and hatchlings during this year's nesting season.

International Sea Turtle Symposium

2011-04-22T06:36:00.000-02:00

Dr. Thomas Reisching, Joana Hancock, and I were at the 31st ISTS in San Diego last week. There were over 1000 researchers, conservationists, and sea turtle lovers there. Thomas presented a poster about our Berau project, and Joana presented a poster about our School in Nature program working with youth on Boavista. And I got to meet and talk with one of my turtle heroes, Dr. Wallace 'J' Nichols (I couldn't resist a photo posing in our matching t-shirts).

It is people like those who inspire us, encourage us, and make us realize that we can, and do, make a difference. I posted a brief description of the symposium by Thomas, who works with our Berau project, on our Cause page and our website blog. With folks like that on the side of sea turtles, the future looks a little brighter.

Grant Award from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

2011-04-22T05:21:00.000-02:00

Turtle Foundation is happy to announce that for the 3rd year we have been awarded a grant from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Marine Turtle Conservation Fund (under the Wildlife without Borders program) for our Cape Verde loggerhead sea turtle protection project. We could not be happier to be partnering with such a wonderful organization. Nesting season starts in June, and we are looking forward to another successful season of protecting sea turtles and working with the local community to benefit both the turtles and the local people.

Welcome to Turtle Foundation Cabo Verde's blog

2011-04-21T00:00:00.000-02:00

Well hello turtle-lovers. Happy almost Earth Day, and welcome to our new online blog. Turtle Foundation, as you know, is dedicated to saving sea turtles. We have several projects, but this blog is dedicated to our project in Cabo Verde, protecting the female loggerhead sea turtles as they come ashore to nest. Currently they are threatened primarily by being slaughtered for meat. Turtle Foundation patrols the beaches during nesting season, protecting the turtles and collecting vital data on their biology to learn more about the population. International volunteers help us each summer with our patrols, as well as the Cape Verde military. Other threats include an inordinate amount of trash on the beaches and in the water which the turtles mistake for food, and which hinders both nesting and the hatchlings' run to the sea. Rampant beach construction results in habitat loss, and turtles are accidentally caught on fishing lines. Turtle Foundation is dedicated not only to helping save this 3rd most important nesting population of loggerhead turtles in the world, but in benefiting the community by doing so. We work with educating youth, assisting local communities in finding alternative sources of income, and involving the government, community, tourists, conservation volunteers, schools, and anyone else we can reach in the goal of preserving this magnificent treasure of Cape Verde. Join us! Connect with us on Facebook, come and volunteer with us during nesting season, spread the word about our work, donate, sell turtle-shaped cookies to help sea turtles, and post comments and questions right here!

Turtle Foundation visits S. Nicolau

2011-04-07T13:09:00.000-02:00

It was with great joy that Turtle foundation accepted the invitation of the Municipalities of Ribeira Brava and Tarrafal de S. Nicolau to attend a series of workshops that took place in São Nicolau island in the last weekend.

São Nicolau is thought to be the forth most important island for loggerhead sea turtle nesting in Cape Verde, recording each year 300 nests or more on its tiny beaches.

The two workshops counted with the participation of local volunteers, authorities, government representatives, a representative of INDP and one representative of Turtle Foundation, Joana Hancock. Turtle Foundation was asked to talk about sea turtle biology, beach monitoring protocol, and the importance of conservation projects as well as socio-economic alternatives.

Participants in the workshop that took place in Ribeira Brava

We were pleased to see so much interest from the local municipalities and authorities in collaborating with the local efforts.

Currently several iniciatives are taking place in the island, including "Esperança" project, with the collaboration of Camara Municipal de Ribeira Brava and the INDP, while the protection of the north of the island is assured by Camara Municiapl do Tarrafal de S. Nicolau.

Original article announcing the worshop in S. Nicolau:
http://asemana.sapo.cv/spip.php?article65940&ak=1

For more ifnormation about the Esperança project, visit their blog (in Portuguese):
http://blogdastartarugas.blogs.sapo.cv/tag/s%C3%A3o+nicolauNicolau

For more background information about the porject in Tarrafal de S. Nicolau:
http://saonicolaunews2.blogspot.com/2009/06/s-nicolau-campanha-proteccao-tartarugas.html

Turtle Foundation visita S. Nicolau

2011-04-07T12:10:00.001-02:00

Foi com muito orgulho que a Turtle Foundation aceitou o convite para participar numa série de workshops organizados pelas Camaras Municipais da Ribeira Brava e Tarrafal de S. Nicolau, no ambito do inicio de mais uma campanha de protecção e conservação de Tartarugas Marinhas nesta ilha.

Em S.Nicolau há várias iniciativas, entre elas o projecto "Esperança", nas comunidades de Carriçal e Preguiça, no Concelho de Ribeira Grande, e nas praias na zona do Tarrafal, com o apoio da Camara Municipal do mesmo nome. São Nicolau é um dos locais onde há mais desova das tartarugas marinhas em Cabo Verde, atrás apenas da Boa Vista, do Maio e Sal.

Durante os dois dias atenderam aos workshops entre 30 a 50 pessoas, entre elas membros do governo local, autoridades, voluntários dos projectos, professores. Pessoal do INDP permaneceu uns dias mais na ilha, para oferecer formação na área de recolha de dados e sensibilização adicional.

A Turtle Foundation e representantes das duas camaras municipais discutiram a possibilidade de assinar um protocolo de colaboração na área de formação e apoio técnico-logistico, já para a próxima temporada.

Para mais informações sobre o projecto Esperança ver o seu Blog:
http://blogdastartarugas.blogs.sapo.cv/tag/s%C3%A3o+nicolau

Para mais informações sobre a desova na zona do Tarrafal, ver noticia publicada em 2010 que contem bastantes detalhes sobre a realidade da zona:

http://saonicolaunews2.blogspot.com/2009/06/s-nicolau-campanha-proteccao-tartarugas.html