Contact:
WWW Link: http://nerdswithoutborders.net

Description:

NerdsWithoutBorders.net is a network of volunteers working for the planet. We aim to identify situations where a simple application of off-the-shelf technology can create win-win solutions to pressing problems. We want to identify those problems which are ignored by governments because there is no powerful constituency pushing for action, or ignored by the market-place because there is little or no money to be made.

Our first project -- Turtle Sense -- is developing a simple inexpensive technology for monitoring the motion, moisture and temperature in Sea Turtle nests to determine when hatchlings will emerge with as much accuracy and reliability as possible. The project is being developed collaboratively with the National Park Service (Cape Hatteras National Seashore) and the Hatteras Island Ocean Center.

The current design employs a sensor and electronics which measure egg motion either as the embryos agitate in the egg or as the sea turtle hatchlings begin to pip out of the eggs or both. The data, sent over the cellular network to a website, will hopefully be able to predict hatching dates (arrival on the beach) to a reliable 1 to 3 day window, a significant improvement over the current 6-week window. Developing a reliable technology for predicting hatching will allow the NPS to create a new protocol for protecting the nests, thus freeing up access to the beaches for a significantly longer time.

There are several possible beneficial side effects of the technology. The technology can be used to help develop ecotourism around the hatching of sea turtles. Once people (especially young people) experience the hatching of these creatures, they may be much more likely to think positively about the welfare of sea turtles in the future. If local people can develop an income around this ecotourism activity, they may be less adverse to the obstructions to beach vehicles. The technology might be useful for scientists studying sea turtles, and might be adaptable for the study of other egg-laying species.

Please see turtlesense.org for more information about the project.

All the technology we developed will be available under free licence to anyone world-wide.

Organization Type: Non-governmental, Non-profit

Activities: Management, Monitoring, Research

Submitted: 2014-07-05 22:30:25
Last Modified: 2015-03-04 15:34:35

Members

• Samuel Wantman