 Adult Loggerhead Turtle. |
The Cozumel Turtle Salvation Project this week issued its last call for donations for the 2007 season ahead.
Each year, project volunteers work with biologists to find and protect endangered turtle nests and hatchlings on the island's eastern beaches. |
This year the Project is seeking to raise $10,000 to buy much needed supplies such as flashlights, radios, latex gloves and gasoline.
Sherri Davis, Project Co-ordinator, said "despite little or no funding and limited manpower over the years, the program continues to grow and produce amazing results".
For that reason, this year sees the first concerted fundraising effort seeking local business sponsors as well as private donations.
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During the nights of April through September, two species come ashore to lay their eggs in Cozumel - Loggerhead Turtles and Green Turtles.
About 2 months later, the newly-hatched baby turtles emerge at night and immediately head for the ocean. |
 Protecting recent hatchlings. |
The salvation project duties include the protecting and tagging of females, the collection of scientific data, the relocation of eggs to more favorable locations on the beach, and the release of hatchlings to the sea.
Fundraising for the project is organized by American Community Services in Cozumel in conjunction with the Municipal authorities. The deadline for pledges is March 15, 2007, although further donations after this date will still be gratefully received.
To make a pledge from anywhere in the world, please email Sherri Davis directly: turtles [at] cozumelinsider.com.
For more information about the project in general, visit the Cozumel Turtle Salvation Project web page.
Related stories:
"More Than 800 Turtle Nests" Aug 9, 2007.
" Record-Breaking Turtle Season" Jul 26, 2006.
