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Turtle Nesting
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: cari (---.prtc.net)
Date:   04-26-07 08:07

Hello! I've been living in Culebra for the past 9 months and was wondering if anyone can give me a little info on Turtle Nesting excursions. I homeschool my children, and would really like to take them to see the turtles. I know it would be an incredible experience for them and an educational one. Any info will be appreciated!

Carissa
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Re: Turtle Nesting
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Doug (---.aurorasys.com)
Date:   04-26-07 12:07

I have put an inquiry in to one of the agencies that used to supervise the Turtle Watch program. The primary nesting beaches are off-limits to casual observation during nesting and hatching season. However, volunteers have been organized to participate in closely supervised data gathering at these sites. These excursions involve a 10-12 hour vigil on one of the protected beaches and recording scientific data, such as nest location, and quantity of hatchable eggs and decoy eggs laid. I don't know what age restrictions there are, but small children are probably not up to an all-nighter in the dark, and it does involve a fairly strenuous hike. As soon as I hear back, I'll post what I find.

One important thing to remember. These are endangered animals, and their welfare and survival is the primary consideration. This isn't a zoo or a museum; it is one of the most important propogation areas in the Caribbean.

Doug
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Re: Turtle Nesting
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: cari (---.prtc.net)
Date:   04-28-07 08:14

Thanks for the info, I will take it all into consideration. I am also very aware of the fact that this isn't a zoo or a museum. I am all for protecting animal protection! Thank you once again for your input. I appreciate it!

Cari
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Re: Turtle Nesting_error
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: cari (---.prtc.net)
Date:   04-28-07 08:16

I mean animal protection, not protecting animal protection. Sorry for that error!

With a smile,
Cari
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Re: Turtle Nesting
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Doug (---.dsl.stlsmo.swbell.net)
Date:   04-28-07 10:21

That reads a little preachier than I meant it too. There's no rule that doing the right thing can't be fun, but arming one's self with the right information keeps newbies from inadvertantly harming the very things that fascinate them. I haven' heard back, yet. You may also contact CORALations.com or Fish and Wildlife, both of whom play active roles in turtle survival programs.

Doug
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Re: Turtle Nesting
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: cari (---.prtc.net)
Date:   04-28-07 10:48

Okedoke Doug! Thanks again! Take care!

Cari
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Re: Turtle Nesting
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: R. Emmett (---.maine.res.rr.com)
Date:   05-02-07 08:58

Have there been any instances you've heard about on Culebra of turtles eating plastic shopping bags? A recent NPR piece about loggerhead turtles mistaking bags for jellyfish was airedand so Mobury UK has outlawed plastic shopping bags because of turtles choking on the bags.

Owlihoot2
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Re: Turtle Nesting
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Doug (---.aurorasys.com)
Date:   05-02-07 15:45

I imagine a partially inflated, floating bag looks a whole lot like the loggerhead's favorite morsel, a Portuguese man-o-war. Not good.

Doug
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Re: Turtle Nesting
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: MJ (---.prtc.net)
Date:   05-03-07 07:15

Plastic shopping bags, six pack can holders, balloons, styrofoam (think coolers that break apart, swim toys, food containers), ANY plastic can look like food in the water and have deadly consequences.
If you buy liquids with the can holders, cut each circle before throwing in the trash to keep the heads of birds, turtles, etc. from having a necklace that kills.
A little trash advice (take that however you like!) - plastic bags are very lightweight and blow out of trash cans (if you are kind enough to put them IN a trash can) so make sure you put them deep down in the can. Better yet, re-use them for your trash, and tie them up before throwing away. Better yet, use mesh or cloth bags for shopping! Ask for foil or paper take out containers, etc. It's the little things that make the difference...
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Re: Turtle Nesting
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: cari (---.prtc.net)
Date:   05-04-07 15:15

Hi MJ! It's me Carissa, my kids are the ones that always greet you whenever we pass your cart by the bridge. The gray nissan pick-up truck! Thanks for the advice!
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Re: Turtle Nesting
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: MJ (---.prtc.net)
Date:   05-04-07 15:56

Hey Carissa! Your kids make my day with their greetings...sweet! You're welcome.
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Re: Turtle Nesting
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: R. Emmett (---.maine.res.rr.com)
Date:   05-05-07 08:28

So MJ - I have met you & shopped your wonderful cart in Feb. for the past 2 years. Keep your supplies coming, your inventory is fresh & attitude says a lot.

Owlihoot2
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Re: Turtle Nesting
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: MJ (---.prtc.net)
Date:   05-05-07 13:17

Gee, thanks, Ruth! I try to have fun with what I get (hey, if I'm not having fun, why should it be fun for anyone else?)...an attitude I usually have about life, but for a store, I picked up a lot of that *make it fun for yourself* attitude from Ann at Paradise gift shop. Like "Oh, excuse me shoppers, we're on the floor playing with these cool new toys, just help yourselves."

Speaking of Paradise, Carissa, I just remembered, Ann, as well as Nadine (and others no doubt, but I know for sure those two are easily accessible), have the guy's name who does the turtle groups. Super nice guy.
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Re: Turtle Nesting
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: R. Emmett (---.maine.res.rr.com)
Date:   05-05-07 19:33

What are the 'turtle groups' in last post?

Speaking of turtles, I stood with others to watch several turtles (don't know what kind) swimming near rocks beyond white beach in Feb. How priviledged I felt then and remembered how others had talked of how they swam near turtles while snorkling in several locations.

Owlihoot2
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Re: Turtle Nesting
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: MJ (---.prtc.net)
Date:   05-06-07 07:33

He takes people *groups* to watch and learn about the turtles.
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Re: Turtle Nesting
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: R. Emmett (---.maine.res.rr.com)
Date:   05-06-07 11:31

Thanks MJ.....R.

Owlihoot2
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