Sea Turtle Hatchery & Head-Starting Programs

All 7 species of sea turtle on the planet today are on the endangered species list, with populations of some reduced by 98%. However, local interventions and mitigation measures have shown to be successful in maintain and restoring populations in many locations around the globe. In this course, participants will learn about sea turtle conservation strategies and participate in locally-run programs aimed to protect and even increase local populations. Depending on the location, this may include hatchery, head-starting, rehabilitation, and release programs.

Take this course

Learn about sea turtle ecology, evolutionary history, and the threats they face.

Gain skills in properly handling, caring for, and feeding sea turtles in hatchery, nursery, or rehabilitation programs, including monitoring their health and growth.

Understand the objectives and techniques of sea turtle hatchery and head-starting programs, as well as the associated scientific debate.

Gain skills in properly handling, caring for, and feeding sea turtles in hatchery, nursery, or rehabilitation programs, including monitoring their health and growth.

Program Eligibility and Requirements

To join the Sea Turtle Hatchery & Head-Starting Programs Program, participants need to meet the following criteria:

  1. Age Requirement: Applicants must be 12 years of age or older.
  2. Diver Certification: Applicants should hold certification as an Advanced diver from a recognized diving organization such as PADI, SSI, RAID, or similar. Alternatively, Open Water divers can be eligible if they have successfully completed a buoyancy appraisal under the guidance of a professional diver.
  3. Diving Proficiency: Applicants need to showcase advanced diving skills, including excellent buoyancy control and self-awareness.
  4. Certifications: Interested individuals must have completed the following certifications offered by our program:

Upon Enrollment in the Course, participants will be required to:

  • Attend 1 lecture and 1 practical briefing
  • Take data on sea turtle growth (weight and shell length) if at a nursery or rehabilitation program
  • Perform at least three of the following activities:
    • Take data on sea turtle growth (weight and shell length)
    • Perform cleaning, feeding, and maintenance activities
    • Undertake night beach patrols
    • Learn how to protect and/or relocate sea turtle nests to a hatchery
    • Take data on nesting sea turtles
    • Take data on hatching success rates
  • Complete exam

Published papers and reports derived through the teaching of this course

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