A marine conservation non-profit based in Montserrat is inviting people to take part in an in-water sea turtle survey this summer.
Fish ‘N Fins is hosting the initiative not only to discover more about the island’s turtle population, but also to encourage residents to become champions for ocean science.
In a press release, group founder Veta Wade said: “By working together as a community, we can make a significant impact on the conservation of large marine animals.”
Volunteers of ‘Turtle Tracking 2024’ will be invited to participate in systematic surveys at four beaches – Old Road Beach, Isles Bay, Woodlands Beach, and Bunkum Bay.
These sites are easily accessible with high conservation and tourism value, the press release said.
By snorkelling along designated transects, volunteers will collect important data on turtle species, behaviours, and interactions.
This data will contribute to the Montserrat Marine Megafauna Project’s science research goals.
These are to identify the presence and diversity of megafauna and establish baseline data to inform local marine management in Montserrat.
Participants will also deploy underwater video stations to enable researchers to better understand sea turtle behaviours and their relationship within the surrounding habitat.
‘Magnificent creatures’
Programme coordinator Dawn Benn said the group is thrilled to launch the Turtle Tracking 2024 project.
She invited the community to join in the protection of the “magnificent creatures” and “create a pathway for our next generation to manage our marine environment effectively”.
The public is also invited to attend a sea turtle workshop in July – the date is yet to be announced.
Attendees will learn about sea turtle species identification, their threats, and the use of cutting-edge ocean technology as a conservation tool.
Montserrat turtle expert John Jeffers will lead the workshop along with other local champions for science.
Wade said the project is crucial for maintaining the health and diversity of the ocean, while helping to move forward the 2023-2028 Marine Turtle Action Plan for Montserrat.
She thanked the Marine Conservation Action Fund of the New England Aquarium, Boston, for funding the project.
Anyone interest in taking part can visit www.aquafishnfins.com, or contact Dawn Benn on (664) 496-9767, or email support@aquafishnfins.com
