Sea turtles are charismatic and will always attract an audience! Photo Gordon Kirkwood
Green sea turtles are found in grassy areas. Photo Ian Oliva
PREPARE ANNUAL REPORT & UPDATE STRAP
The data collected from the reports received during the in-water, nesting beach observations, from stranding reports and from the questionnaires will be included in an annual report that will be produced each year.
The goals and activities outlined in Belize Sea Turtle Recovery Action Plan (STRAP) from 1992 will be reviewed and updated to reflect goal's for the next 5 to 10 to 20 years, so that we can see how climate change is impacting sea turtle populations in Belize.
The data collected from the reports received during the in-water, nesting beach observations, from stranding reports and from the questionnaires will be included in an annual report that will be produced each year.
The goals and activities outlined in Belize Sea Turtle Recovery Action Plan (STRAP) from 1992 will be reviewed and updated to reflect goal's for the next 5 to 10 to 20 years, so that we can see how climate change is impacting sea turtle populations in Belize.
Training Workshops
The Front Dock is a nice place to relax and enjoy the sea breeze, take a swim or look out for passing marine life.
The large star coral, with polyps extend, contribute to reef building. Photo Linda Searle
A key activity is to walk the beach each morning, especially during peak nesting season. Caretakers that rake the beach can also take on this roll of monitoring turtle tracks on your Adopted Beach.
Sample calendar page used to keep track of beach monitoring.
This adult female hawksbille consumed this loggerhead sponge in a week! I was lucky enough to photograph here when she first started munching it! Two weeks later the sponge was gone! Photo Linda Searle
Lionfish at The Elbow, Turneffe Atoll. Photo Linda Searle
Aerial view of the St. George's Caye Research
Station & Field School
Pier in front of the St. George's Caye Research Station & Field School used for docking, swimming and relaxing!
Bleaching finger coral growing among non-bleached boulder star coral, which has a couple fish bites on the right lobe.
We know the reef so well, we know where to look for marine life even though they may appear to hide. Can you see what is in this picture? Photo Linda Searle
Adult green sea turtles forage at Robinson Point and nest in Costa Rica and Grand Cayman!
Programs
ECOMAR coordinates several "Watch" programs in Belize which aim to recruit stakeholders to monitor reef conditions and submit reports so changes over time can be measured. The programs aim to measure impacts of climate change on the Belize Barrier Reef, associated marine life and the stakeholders that depend on reefs for their livelihoods. In the process we hope to enable and identify ways in which we can adapt to climate change.
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