Towards the start of 2022 a collaboration was launched between ourselves, Ocean Spirits, University of Plymouth and St George’s University in Grenada was launched. This would be our follow on project from our initial pilot study with Ocean Spirits. This also involved us funding a ReSM student Naomi Westlake from UoP working with St Georges University and Ocean Spirits.
Naomi will use a combination of techniques to identify the origin and migration corridors of Grenada’s critically endangered hawksbill sea turtles and endangered green sea turtles. This will include carrying out DNA analyses and using satellite tag tracking, as well as protecting the turtles’ nesting grounds. The outcome of this hopes to inform national and regional conservation policies.
With this research we aim to understand more about the migration of the turtles, their nesting habits and the measures required to support
their conservation. This project will ensure that the 2022-23 nesting season is fully protected from any hunting, allowing the baby turtles of these endangered species to hatch and re-enter the water.
We are very excited to build our partnerships with the partners involved in this project and see the outcomes of this research, and proud to be supporting our first Student.
