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Marine Turtle Newsletter 54:38, © 1991

Sea Turtle Center 1991 Volunteer Expeditions

Michael Rugge
Sea Turtle Center, P. O. Box 634, Nevada City, California 95959 USA
Tel: (916) 265-2125, Fax: (916) 265-2100

During the remainder of 1991, the Sea Turtle Center will be supporting two sea turtle recovery projects in Mexico. These unique opportunities are being offered to Sea Turtle Center members who wish to be part of a conservation effort to protect these endangered species. You will be working with sea turtle biologists and other sea turtle advocates, assisting them with their research and conservation activities. Tasks include patrolling the beaches, collecting eggs and reburying them in protected areas, as well as tagging and weighing the turtles.

XCACEL Sea Turtle Project: The Sea Turtle Center has reserved the dates of 10-17 August 1991 to participate in this project. Xcacel is a beautiful white sandy beach located 75 miles south of Cancun on the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. Volunteers will be working with nesting green turtles (Chelonia mydas), as well as hatchling green and loggerhead (Caretta caretta) turtles. The cost will be US$ 475 (plus US$ 15 Sea Turtle Center membership if you are not presently a member). This price includes meals, transportation to and from Cancun airport, camping fees and tent, and a visit to the Mayan ruins of Tulum. Airfare is not included. Facilities are quite nice; meals are served in a restaurant, and there are flush toilets and showers. There is much to see and do in this area! The deadline to submit your application to participate in this project is 20 July 1991.

Black Sea Turtle Recovery Program of Michoacan: This project is located at another beautiful beach, Colola Beach, on the west coast of Mexico, three hours south of Manzanillo. There are four different excursion dates available-6-12 November, 15-21 November, 24-30 November, 4-10 December 1991-and in all cases you will be working with nesting black sea turtles (Chelonia agassizi). The cost will be US$ 650 per week (plus US$ 15 Sea Turtle Center membership if you are not presently a member). This price includes transportation to and from Manzanillo airport, all meals, camping and tents, boating and snorkeling trips, as well as visits to local villages. Javier Alvarado, University of Michoacan professor and project coordinator, will give nightly lectures on various topics related to the ecology of the area. Camping facilities are rustic but clean and safe. Airfare is not included in the above price. The deadline for applications for this trip is 20 August 1991. Please call or write the Sea Turtle Center for applications and additional information.