Volunteers > ARCAS Sea Turtle Conservation - Hawaii

Description
In 1993, ARCAS initiated its conservation activities in the Hawaii area primarily as a response to threats to leatherback and olive ridley turtle populations by local egg collectors. Despite their endangered status, virtually all turtle nests are harvested and the eggs sold to restaurants or market. Turtle eggs are popular in Guatemala as an aphrodisiac; clearly not a basic need given a population growth rate of nearly 3%. In this program ARCAS solicits donations of the turtle eggs from local collectors and then reburies the eggs in protected hatcheries. After an incubation period of roughly 45 days, the hatchlings are released into the sea.

Activities
During the egg-laying season (June-October) volunteers spend nights walking the beach in search of nesting turtles, once found they collect the eggs and bury them in the hatchery. Once the eggs begin hatching (mid July-December), volunteers assist in releasing the hatchlings and excavating the nests to determine the hatchlings success rate.

Minimum: 2/3 weeks.
Spanish: Intermediate.
Schedule: Flexible.
Location: Hawaii is located 8 kilometres East of Montericco on the West Coast of Guatemala.

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