Ocean Spirits Grenada Volunteer Programme

  Grenada

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks and 5-8 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: 3 March to 18 August 2007 for 3,6, 9 or 12 weeks

Description: Leatherback Sea Turtle Research & Education Programme
As we move into the 21st Century, marine turtles continue to face the foreboding prospect of extinction. Legal and illegal fisheries, incidental by-catch, loss of habitat and the harvesting of eggs have all contributed to the demise of sea turtle species throughout the Caribbean region and the entire globe. Working together with local communities, government departments and international and regional organizations, Ocean Spirits are working to ensure that the spectacle of a nesting or foraging turtle remains a key component of Grenada's uniquely vibrant biodiversity.

Your experience as a Research Assistant volunteer will:

- Provide hands-on field experience with the world's largest sea turtle Research Assistants are not just observers but active members of the research team.
- Directly help the reduction of illegal egg poaching activities - the presence of nightly research patrols has reduced this threat by more than 60%.
- Contribute to the preservation of Grenada's turtles through local educational events.
- Increase community participation. The very presence of Research Assistants working on the programme generates local interest in marine turtles and the significance of Grenada's coastline to these species.

Grenada - the Spice Isle

Known as the Spice Isle because of its' high production of nutmeg, Grenada is a small volcanic island, 21 miles by 12 with a population of 90,000. It has many beaches along its indented coastline, lush rainforest in the interior and remains one of the least spoilt of the Caribbean islands. It also plays host to one of the major leatherback sea turtle nesting sites in the Caribbean with hundreds of nests laid each year. In 2003, 586 nests were laid on Levera beach, Grenada's main nesting site and where the majority of our research takes place. The beach is only 700m in length which makes it an ideal research site, with high density nesting (10+ activities per night during peak season).

Duties will include:

- Night patrols of the main leatherback nesting site
- Flipper tagging of unmarked females
- Data collection carapace (shell) measurements, egg counts, nest relocation
- Morning surveys (on foot) of adjacent beaches
- Nest excavations
- Maintenance and preparation of research equipment
- Summer camp organization and participation
- Carnival 'Turtle Mas' camp costume design and creation
- Assisting with organized turtle watches for school/community groups & tourists
- Camp maintenance and cleaning
- Cooking

Highlights: You will be based in the picturesque north east of the Island. The area is a windswept piece of paradise, which boasts a number of uninhabited offshore islands surrounded by coral reefs teeming with life.

The continuation of the research programme is essential if we are to understand the dynamics of Grenada's leatherback turtle population and how we can best work with local communities to conserve this regionally significant nesting population. Through long-term study we will be able to establish the stability of this population and what measures need to be taken locally to ensure the population has a better chance of survival.

The presence of Ocean Spirits volunteers in the community serves to heighten the awareness of issues relating to sea turtles and the wider environment. Research Assistants must be aware of their role as 'ambassadors' of Ocean Spirits during their stay, your behavior can make a huge impact on the way the programme is viewed; positively or negatively and thus we insist Research Assistants behave responsibly and with respect at all times. Each individual has the power to positively influence attitudes towards sea turtles, leaving a legacy helping their survival into the future.

Qualifications:
Type of Research Assistant Volunteers needed:

- Age 18+ years
- Willing to work in all weather conditions and keep smiling!
- Ability to walk 2-3 miles on soft sand in the heat
- Previous experience is not necessary as training will be provided
- A good team player

Cost in US$: 795 GB pounds, 1400 USD

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 18 yrs upwards

This Program is open to World Wide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Grenada Independently Or in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 6-10

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Resume
• Written Application

Year Founded: 1997