Ocean Spirits Leatherback Sea Turtle Research & Education Programme, Grenada

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 organisations, 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).

Ocean Spirits

Ocean Spirits is a registered, non-profit marine conservation organisation based in Grenada. From its inception in 1999, Ocean Spirits have focused primarily on the conservation of marine turtles found throughout Grenada's coastal waters and beaches. As a member and the Country Co-ordinator of the Wider Caribbean Sea Turtle Network (WIDECAST) for Grenada, we work at a national and regional level, with support and expert advice which ensures we are continually striving to meet universal, conservational objectives and make valid contributions to the international scientific community.

As a result of the tagging programme, we have documented the interchange of tagged turtles from neighbouring islands (and one from Panama, more than 1,200 miles away!) and vice versa; this information is vital when we consider the varying legislations and international boundaries this species cross during their lifetime. In addition to our tagging programme, satellite studies have shown seasonal migrations back to feeding grounds in the cooler waters as far a field as Canada, the UK and West Africa.

Today, more than 5 years later, we operate an extensive research programme; manage a nation wide education initiative that will be implemented in secondary schools across Grenada in 2005 and continually develop the idea that there are no better stewards of Grenada's turtles than the communities that have historically relied upon them.

2008 Research Assistant Volunteer Programme

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 organisation and participation
Carnival ‘Turtle Mas’ camp – costume design and creation
Assisting with organised turtle watches for school/community groups & tourists
Camp maintenance and cleaning
Cooking

2008 Dates - 3 week projects

24 May to 14 June - 1 place available

14 June to 5 July - project full

5 July to 26 July - project full

26 July to 16 August - 1 place available

Project durations are for 3 weeks, but there are possibilities to join for 6, 9 or 12 weeks for experienced volunteers/research projects - please email: Victoria.McNeil@workingabroad.com for more details on this. Please note, there are discounts for longer durations.

The nesting period for leatherbacks is from March – July. During this period you will spend the majority of your time conducting field research and assisting with turtle watches.

Those participating in July/August will focus on Morning Surveys, nest excavations and hatchling release, summer camps and Carnival. NB Night patrols will cease once nesting numbers drop at some point in July. Sporadic night patrols may then take place as we also encounter hawksbill turtles nesting at Levera.

Food and accommodation

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 accommodation comprises of a solid concrete built house, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a large balcony with incredible views across the outer islands and Carriacou. Sleeping arrangements are single sex rooms, with beds/futons and pillows provided. Linen and towels are not provided. The house has a fridge/freezer, gas cooker, telephone (outgoing calls are for project related needs only, you can receive incoming calls), 220 & 110V electricity supply. There is a fan in each room; mosquito nets are not provided but if you react badly to bites you may wish to bring one with you.

Everybody will get the chance to demonstrate their culinary expertise! Cooking will be rotated and meals are prepared using seasonal, local produce (shopping is done in the nearby town of Sauteurs, food variations are limited e.g. cheese is cheddar - we have many recipes available). All food is vegetarian*; breakfast and lunch are 'help yourself'. Dinner is a cooked meal and is a social affair, attended by everyone on the project. *For those who cannot do without meat, past volunteers have chipped in to buy chicken etc and cook it in addition to the vegetarian evening meal.

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

Costs

The cost for a 3 week placement is £795. This includes quality accommodation, food, airport transfer (one pick-up scheduled for 6pm at Point Salines International Airport, Grenada on first day of placement), training and supervision; project t-shirts and WorkingAbroad Projects backup and placement support. (Click here for more on costs breakdown). Please note that a longer stay will reflect a reduced rate (for more details on this, please email: Victoria.McNeil@workingabroad.com). Airfare, travel/medical insurance and personal expenses are not included in the cost. It is mandatory for you to take out travel and medical insurance for the duration of the project.

Travel

Travel from UK/Europe - direct flights to Grenada are available with Excel Airways, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic. Flights via Trinidad, Barbados or the US are available with BWIA, Virgin Atlantic, British Airways and American Airlines. Travel from US/Canada – flights to Grenada are available with American Airlines and Air Canada. Seasonal charter flights may be in operation, please check with your travel agent.