Program Description

Preparing Turtle Nesting Sites | April - May

In human occupied islands and beaches, ground is often packed down and unsuitable for nesting, volunteers play a vital role in creating safe spaces for sea turtles to lay their eggs. This hands-on conservation effort involves preparing turtle nesting sites by digging out areas to a depth of about two feet. Volunteers carefully clear away roots, rocks, and other obstructions, ensuring that the site is free from debris that could interfere with nesting.

To provide the soft sand that turtles prefer, volunteers also collect sand from the shallow waters surrounding the island.. This sand is sifted and added to the nesting site, creating a loose, soft substrate that mimics the turtles' natural nesting conditions. These collective efforts by dedicated volunteers are essential for ensuring the turtles can safely nest, contributing to the success of sea turtle conservation in the region.

Turtle Patrol and Nesting Data Collection | May - September

Volunteers on "turtle patrol" play a crucial role in the conservation efforts on our Caribbean island in Belize, keeping watch during the night hours for the arrival of nesting sea turtles. As these creatures approach the island to lay their eggs, the volunteers remain vigilant, monitoring the shoreline for any signs of movement. Once a mother turtle comes ashore, the volunteers promptly notify the managers or program staff, who then follow established protocols to ensure the process is carried out safely and efficiently.

As the turtle lays her eggs, volunteers carefully count the number of eggs, recording this vital data. They also collect key information about the mother turtle herself, such as her size, the number of barnacles on her shell, the pattern of their distribution, and her behavior throughout the nesting process. These data points are essential for tracking the health and habits of the turtle population.

This information is compared with previous years’ data on nesting turtles, helping our conservation team monitor trends, understand turtle behaviors, and assess the success of ongoing conservation efforts. Turtle patrol is vital to protecting these endangered creatures and ensuring the long-term success of nesting sea turtles on the island.

Hatchling Patrol and Data Collection | July - November

Volunteers on Hatchling Patrol dedicate themselves to monitoring sea turtle nests day and night, ensuring the safe journey of baby turtles from nest to ocean. As the hatching event approaches, volunteers set up protective netting around the nests. This enclosure is designed to contain the eruption of baby turtles as they emerge and prevent them from getting stuck in tree roots, rocks, or other obstacles on their path to the water.

During a hatching event, all power on the island is shut down to minimize distractions and ensure the turtles follow their natural instincts toward the sea. This critical phase gives the hatchlings a chance to "warm up" by walking across the sand before entering the water, which helps prepare them for the challenges ahead. Volunteers assist by gently guiding hatchlings that stray off course, ensuring they safely make their way to the ocean. As the turtles enter the water, they are carefully counted, collecting valuable data for the conservation program.

For a special memory, volunteers also have the incredible opportunity to hold a baby turtle and take a photo—with gloves on to ensure no harmful substances are transmitted to the turtle or the volunteer. Watching these tiny creatures take their first steps toward the ocean is a truly inspiring and unforgettable experience. Volunteers witness the start of their long journey, knowing that their efforts are making a real difference in the survival of these endangered species.

Beach Cleanups | All Year

Beach cleanups are an essential part of the turtle conservation program on Tom Owen's Caye. Volunteers work together to remove debris, plastics, and other harmful waste from the shoreline, creating a cleaner, safer environment for nesting sea turtles. By clearing the beaches of obstacles, hatchlings have an unobstructed path to the ocean, and nesting sites are kept free of harmful materials that could disrupt the nesting process. These cleanups help preserve the natural habitat, ensuring that both adult turtles and their hatchlings can thrive in a healthy ecosystem.