My Journey with the Sea Turtles of EL Salvador ¡VIVA LAS TORTUGAS MARINAS!

About this blog

Hi :-) glad you are interested in following me during the course of my research internship in El Salvador!

Why El Salvador? To catch you up, there I have the extraordinary opportunity of researching and promoting the conservation of sea turtles (tortugas marinas) through working with various turtle organizations throughout El Salvador. These include U.S. AID, the Ministry of the Environment of El Salvador, DAI, Funzel and several local organizations. I will be stationed at various locations throughout El Salvador from June 18th to August 12th.

In the beginning I was stationed on the Island, Isla de San Sebastain, in la Bahia de Jiquilisco, a remote estuary in the eastern portion of the country, where the hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), Pacific green (Chelonia mydas agassizi) and Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) turtles nest. This area is of great conservation importance currently, as it is the premier nesting site for the hawksbill, the most endangered sea turtle species in the Eastern Pacific.

I now am located at Playa San Diego along the central portion of the coast where I have better access to clean water and supplies. Most importantly, it has one of the highest concentrations of nesting in the country and should provide me with a great deal of experience. Additionally, the hatchery and local organizations are working much more effectively with the community, federal and international organizations.

My job down here in any location is primarily to assist the ongoing research and conservation projects occurring at the local level including: 1). Working at hatcheries (collecting eggs and walking the beach at night for turtles), 2). Working with the community members involved in turtle conservation and 3). Studying foraging behaviors, and the artisanal practices of the local fisherman (if possible).

In summary, I am an aid in spreading awareness to the local people about turtle conservation, as well as engaging in the current research taking place by working with U.S AID, DAI, Funzel, the Ministry of the Environment, and local organizations that are leading the turtle conservation movement.

This "movement" is of extreme importance as until a few years ago, nearly a 100% of the turtle eggs and 80% of the adults were taken for their shells and sold by poachers. Without help, the turtle eggs will continue to be taken, the adults harvested and soon there will be very few hawksbill and other turtles in existence.

Additionally, according to Dr. J. Nichols, my internship is the first internship of this kind in El Salvador and entails a great deal of hope for more students to follow, which will enhance the turtle research in the country, as well as assist in establishing ecotourism to support the impoverished people.

Special thanks to...

Sea turtle researcher, ocean conservationist and distinguished DePauw alumni, Wallace J. Nichols for getting my internship off the ground and for being a great mentor.

Mike Lilies, my American contact in El Salvador who is a great mentor as well as an aid, in case I ever need anything.

Brad Nahill of seeturtles.org

DePauw University Biology Dept.

and very importantly, my family and friends who continue to support me both emotionally and financially! I hope I can thank you all properly upon my return.