Utila Turtles Need Your Help!
All species of sea turtles in the caribbean are in danger of extinction.
On the island of Utila, three species of sea turtles can be found: hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) and green turtle (Chelonia mydas). Of these species, two, the Hawksbill and Loggerhead, have been recorded as nesting on the beaches of Utila.
Why we protect sea Turtles.
Sea turtles play an especially important role in the marine ecosystem, eating sea grasses, sponges and jellies thus preventing them from overgrowing and maintaining a balance in coral reefs and sea grasses. Due to the long migrations that sea turtles make between feeding areas and the beaches where they were born, it is exceedingly difficult to protect them the only opportunity being when the females arrive on the beaches to lay their eggs.
What we are doing?
The BICA sea turtle project, Utila chapter consists of night patrolling of the beaches where sea turtles nest, to deter poaching and the theft of their eggs, at the same time data is recorded to support research to know the frequency with which the turtles reach the beaches, the percentage of success in the nests and how climate change is affecting the nesting seasons of the turtles and the development of the embryos within the egg. On the other hand, environmental education talks are held for children, youth and adults to publicize the importance of these species for marine ecosystems and the coastal communities that depend on them.
In recent years, efforts have been concentrated on the beach of Pumpkin Hill, where since 2009 we have worked actively together with volunteers, local authorities and the Honduran Naval Force to provide protection to females that come to nest and their eggs hatch and the little turtles are able to venture into the sea.
How You Can Help?
THOUSANDS OF BABY TURTLES NEED YOU!
We need to raise funds for this nesting season, or we run the risk that nesting females will have no protection this year: increasing the threat of poaching and reducing the number of turtles in the sea, but YOUR contribution to this turtle conservation project: “Mission Tortuga” can change everything! You can help us paint a different picture, one that protects nesting habitats for the sea turtle population to thrive, providing not only a natural but also an economic benefit to the community.
What can you do to support us?
– Talk to everyone you know about turtles and the danger they are facing, raising awareness is a big part of all conservation programs.
– By supporting this project with funds, you are making a big difference and being part of a special team to save the turtles.
– Support us and share this campaign to get more people involved to help us save the sea turtles and marine ecosystem!
“Slow and steady wins the race.” Aesop
The success of our work is reflected in the numbers: from 9 nests and 422 eggs hatched in 2011 to 50 nests and 4,996 hatchlings emerged in 2020. We also confirmed the return of one of the hawksbill turtles from our 2001 Head Start program, and multiple turtles that had nested in previous years. Which shows that working together with founders, donors, students, tourists, locals and residents can help build a new and prosperous future for Utila.
Despite these successes, our program continues to have challenges. Each year funds must be raised to be able to finance technical personnel, facilities for volunteers and transportation / gasoline to go to and from the monitored beach.
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