Sea Turtle Rescue/Release Group?

[Redfoot]

Would really like to attend one of the hatchling releases or even just tour the turtle rescue when on Coz in early November. I know it is towards the end of the season for them, but hoping I can participate somehow.

Have read that there are several choices, but only 1-2 are sanctioned by the Coz/Mexican government.

Does anyone have more info or experience?

Also, if anyone else on the island the week of November 2-9 and wants to join, maybe we can have a mini Scubaboard turtle meetup.

 

[rick00001967]

contact jeanie at tres pelicanos. she can help you with any info you need.

we have done this several times. the shop i work for runs a trip every year in october and they have always participated. it is a great experience.

that said, they had major destruction this year on the beach where many of the nests are. so it may be a crap shoot as to how long the season will last and how many people get lucky enough to help out.

 

[gopbroek]

Typically Pantera does rescue / releases untill November 15th
Checked with Jeanie, due to covid she is sitting this season out but she is still helping out from remote. Actually a high nest count so far, 7000+. They are doing classes this year Monday thru Thursday by appointment. Jeanie can arrange it or you can go thru the ecology department (I do not know the contact info for the ecology office) I plan on going over myself during the last week.

 

[JFS]

You can do reserve turtle programs through thru Ecologia , FPMC or Cimac AC. Here is some contact info. One poster is from last year but same contact info. Book through the govt agencies only. The offices for Ecologia and FPMC are close to each other on 65 avenue.

 

[Redfoot]

Awesome, thanks all

 

[DandyDon]

Book through the govt agencies only.

Sounds good but I only speak a handful of Spanish words, poorly at that. I have to find an English speaking contact.

 

[JFS]

Sounds good but I only speak a handful of Spanish words, poorly at that. I have to find an English speaking contact.

If you go to Ecologia, ask for Edgar. Speaks perfect English.

 

[Curious_George]

Does anyone know what actually happens with this "observation workshop"? Maybe it’s more like paying $60 US for a tour/training? It says "rescue and clean nests" so what are you paying for?

 

[JFS]

Does anyone know what actually happens with this "observation workshop"? Maybe it’s more like paying $60 US for a tour/training? It says "rescue and clean nests" so what are you paying for?

The $60 fee is the afternoon or morning course. It will allow for hands on training to dig up nests that have hatched already (usually within a day or two). There you will dig up hatched eggs and look for any survivors that didn't make it out of the initial hatching.

 

[DandyDon]

Does anyone know what actually happens with this "observation workshop"? Maybe it’s more like paying $60 US for a tour/training? It says "rescue and clean nests" so what are you paying for?

The Observation Workshop is scheduled from 8:30pm to midnight to observe females come ashore, dig nests, lay eggs, and cover the nests. It's scheduled to end over a month ago as the turtles lay during the hottest part of summer. Search & Rescue starts August 17 the day after the other one stops thru October 31 for the eggs hatching from those nests. They provide rubber gloves as some of the rotten eggs you encounter are rather nasty, you dig sand out of the bottom of holes already mostly vacated by hatchlings as deep as you can reach - works best if you'll stick your head down in the hole as you go deeper, and you remove any eggs and living babies you find. The bad eggs, eggshells, and babies are recorded by staff and the babies are escorted on release to crawl to the ocean. Saving babies that didn't make it out with the flock is really rewarding. I fear that many of the little ones get caught up in the deep seaweed that's been a problem in recent years and picked off by varmints, but the ones dug out by volunteers are protected and the seaweed moved. We let them crawl to the sea on their own, but turn them if they head the wrong direction. I've done that tour twice; one time it was the high point of my trip, the second time was the first day of the tour and that was their excuse for poor performance. The price has been jacked up, but they seem to furnish a T-shirt, some drinks & snacks, and a certificate?! You do need insect repellent and I take my own water in case they forget or don't distribute until later. You get covered in sand if you're really into it. On the last trip I remembered to leave my phone on high ground when I went in to wash off but forgot my camera on my belt and ended it.

The $60 fee is the afternoon or morning course.

Mornings? I don't know of any morning tours or anything to see during daylight hours. The nesting and hatchings happen in the dark. I guess rescues could happen in the morning, but I am not aware of tours.

Me several years ago...