Suriname: Sea Turtles

Leatherback, Green, & Olive Ridley Sea Turtle Research

The Oceanic Society, in cooperation with the Suriname Foundation for Nature Preservation (STINASU), is conducting a sea turtle research and monitoring program at the Galibi Nature Reserve in Suriname. The coastal area in and around the Galibi Nature Reserve is of international importance, not only as a nesting site for green and leatherback turtles, but also as the only place in the Atlantic where historically olive ridleys nest in mass "arribadas."

On this 9-day hands-on research project, you will assist researchers with monitoring the nesting activities of leatherback, green and olive ridley turtles. In the company of the field researcher and local wardens, you patrol the beaches at night and again in the early morning to assess turtle nesting activity. Specific tasks include collecting biological data such as nest temperature and moisture content, measuring turtle length and width, checking flippers for external tags, as well as helping with recovery efforts such as saving nests by moving them to areas safe from beach erosion and escorting hatchlings to the sea.

Nesting season for all three species of sea turtles overlap: Leatherback: March to July; Green: February to July; Olive Ridley: mid-May to July.

We will also have time for bird watching; Scarlet Ibis, Giant Woodstork and flocks of skimmers can be seen in the mangroves behind the turtle nesting beaches. The beach in front of our lodge is excellent for swimming.

The program also includes visits to the nearby Amerindian communities working in cooperation with the sea turtle preservation effort. Participants will have the opportunity toff5brn about cultural traditions and local crafts.

Participants stay in the solar-powered Warana Lodge, located adjacent to the nesting beach. The lodge is the only one permitted to operate in the Reserve. Accommodations are in basic but comfortable double occupancy rooms with private baths.

Itinerary:

Day 1:

Miami/Paramaribo.

Day 2:

Paramaribo city tour.

Day 3:

Paramaribo/Galibi Nature Reserve. Overland ride to Albina, boat ride to Galibi Reserve.

Day 4 thru 7:

Participate in sea turtle research.

Day 8:

Galibi/Paramaribo. Overnight.

Day 9:

Paramaribo/Miami

Researcher: To be announced

2010 Dates:
May 14-22
May 21-29
June 11-19

2010 Cost:

$2,975 (IAF Miami)

Maximum group size: 8

Detailed Trip Information

Information & Reservations

Please fill out an APPLICATION to sign-up for the SURINAM SEA TURTLES expedition.

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