Sea Turtle Conservation Research Field Assistant
Puerto Jiménez, Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Trained and participates in sea turtle population monitoring on two important nesting beaches for the threatened olive ridley and green sea turtles. Records essential data to assess population trends and predation rates. Finds and relocates threatened nests to the purpose-built hatchery, giving them a greater chance to thrive. Completes post-hatched nest excavations to assess hatching success and gain valuable information to inform conservation actions. Completes night-time beach patrols, to see turtles up-close as they come ashore to nest and completes health assessments. Improves the health of the oceans through beach clean-ups, and helps to reduce, classify, and weigh the marine debris, for a greater understanding of where the pollution on the beaches comes from. Cleans and checks equipment, and developed scientific communication skills to produce cutting-edge stories from one of Earth’s greatest wilderness areas.