sea turtle census - in water observations

In 2011 the Belize Turtle Watch Program's In-Water Observations was launched in conjunction with University of Exeter Master's student Khristina Bonham.  She visited organizations and resorts throughout Belize sharing with them the programs goals which included the following information in a Power Point presentation:

• Importance of program
• Impacts on sea turtles
• Species ID
• Estimating size
• Recording observations
• Submitting data to ECOMAR

After Khristina finished collecting data for her thesis we have been working with the same dive operators ad resorts getting them involved by Adopting A Reef and submitting reports on turtles sighted while at sea. Turtle Watch Program In-water Observation materials include:

• Posters – educate
• Stickers – promote & educate
• Turtle Sighting Sheets for individuals
• In-water Observations Logs – for dive boats and key part of keeping record of all dives and logging the number of turtles present.
  

All reports will be included in the Annual Sea Turtle Survey report that will be prepared at the end of each year.

Divers admiring the endangered hawksbill turtle. Photo Gordon Kirkwood