Help the conservation of the
Hawksbill Sea Turtle
by supporting local research projects
Hawksbill sea turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) move in tropical and subtropical waters of the world's oceans. There are different populations which means that they aren't all connected. The Eastern Pacific population, ranging from Mexico to Peru, is the most endangered one. Hawksbill sea turtles have been associated to coral reef and rocky reef habitats, but the Eastern Pacific individuals have a strong association to mangrove habitats.
How research is helping the turtles
Understanding the ecology of hawksbill sea turtles and identifying those habitats where they spend long periods of time, are the first steps to achieve an effective conservation of the species. This biological information is important to talk to decision makers, NGO’s, local fishing communities, and government agencies to develop strategies that ensure their recovery and maintenance in the long term.
Leading scientist
Lourdes (Luli) Martinez Estevez is a Mexican biologist focused on the study and conservation of terrestrial and marine wildlife. Luli has a master’s degree in Biological Sciences from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and is currently studying a PhD at the University of California, Santa Cruz.
Leading scientist
Support Luli and volunteer on her next research trip!
Camp next to a lovely fishing village, on a tiny desert island in a remote area of the Sea of Cortez! Accompany Luli and her assistance on daily trips to local reefs and mangrove estuaries in the search for marine turtles. Your participation will directly support this research project.
Duration
7 Days
Difficulty
challenging: camping, little infrastructure, basic facilities, in a very remote location, more than 4 hours from accessible medical care.
Donation
From the money you pay for this trip 300 USD go straight to the research project: With this money Luli will be able to buy dearly needed equipment.
Activities
turtle monitoring, data collection (catch and release) and analytics, snorkeling, camping, star gazing
Price per Person
USD 899
includes all taxes and fees
(does not include 2.8 % credit card fee)
Languages
Luli speaks fluent Spanish and English. Please contact Selkie Travels if you would like to add a French or German speaking guide.
Whats included
camping gear, transfer from and to your Hotel in La Paz, all meals and non- alcoholic beverages during the trip, boat outings to monitor turtles, snorkel gear
Trip itinerary
Day 1.
Transportation to El Pardito. Know the island, El Pardito people and logistics.
Day 2.
Visit a mangrove estuary and start hawksbill sea turtle monitoring
Day 3.
Hawksbill sea turtle tagging, monitoring, and surveillance of the habitat
Day 4.
Hawksbill sea turtle monitoring, and walks at San Jose island
Day 5.
Hawksbill sea turtle tagging, monitoring, and surveillance of the habitat
Day 6.
Hawksbill sea turtle monitoring and fishing with the local fishermen.
Day 7.
Transportation to La Paz.
ADOPT A TURTLE
At least $15,000 USD are needed per year to develop monitoring and surveillance activities. These include deployment of nets, flipper tagging of individuals, body measurements, releasing, and surveillance of the habitat to avoid illegal fishing. These activities include the participation of two fishers and the gas needed for the boat. By volunteering in one of Lulis Project or by adopting a turtle you can directly support these conservation efforts.
Option 1
Money helps to: catch and release a turtle, weight and measure her, and put an ID tag/name on her.
Doner gets in return: Name the turtle, photo of turtle, turtle ID and individual information.
$100
Option 2
Money helps to: catch and release a turtle, weight and measure her, put an ID tag/name on her, and deploy an acoustic tag on her.
Doner gets in return: Name the turtle, photo of turtle, turtle ID, individual information, yearly email with turtle location.
$ 350
Option 3
Money helps to: catch and release a turtle, weight and measure her, put an ID tag/name on her, and deploy a satellite tag and follow her migrations.
Doner gets in return: Name the turtle, photo of turtle, turtle ID, individual information, monthly email with turtle location, a free outing to turtle research station.
$2000