Sea Turtle Research and Conservation
Lessons From Working In The Field

A compilation of expert and firsthand research, efforts, and solutions to save sea turtle species from extinction

Brad Nahill (Edited by)

9780128210291, Elsevier Science

Paperback, published 30 November 2020

244 pages
22.9 x 15.1 x 1.6 cm, 0.41 kg

"This is an intriguing and important book that should be read by all sea turtle and other conservationists. Brad Nahill assembled a broad array of authors from well-known scientists to new faces who work on beaches around the world. Here are lessons learned by those who save sea turtles out of a passion for life. Here are stories of what it is like to battle mosquitos, storms, broken dune buggies, poachers, and animal predators on a beach far away from Wi-Fi and refrigeration. I was particularly taken by the sincerity, openness, and reality of Annie Koehler Clift as she related her experiences coordinating a nesting beach project on Caletas Beach in Costa Rica. To read about the experiences of a young biologist fresh from university dealing with all of the hardships, joys, problems, and successes of a field project brought back the smells and feelings of Tortuguero, Costa Rica, in 1978. It was a faraway place a long time ago, but today the new generation of biologists and conservationists are finding their own way down the beach to save sea turtles. This edited volume has many such stories in its 20 chapters, all fascinating in their own way, and well worth reading." --The Quarterly Review of Biology

Sea Turtles: Field Research and Conservation is a comprehensive reference of experiences with sea turtle species from global experts. This book looks at the human side of protecting and studying these unique animals around the world, as well as the challenges involved, such as cultural differences and conducting research in remote locations.Led by a renowned expert in sea turtle conservation, this book addresses the largest issue facing sea turtle species currently; nearly all species of sea turtles are endangered due to poaching, fishing snares, climate change, and more. Chapters in this book range from the use of cutting-edge technology to learn more about this elusive reptile, to working with communities with long histories of sea turtle trade and consumption. It provides readers with firsthand accounts of sea turtle conservation efforts from conservationists based around the world and offers important suggestions and solutions for ensuring the future of these sea turtle species.Sea Turtles: Field Research and Conservation is the ideal resource for field biologist and marine conservationists, specifically those working in marine herpetology and with sea turtle species. Policymakers concerned with marine conservation, wildlife protection, and sustainable development, will also find this a useful reference for efforts and directions to enact change and save sea turtles from extinction.

Part 1. Working With Local Communities
1. Sustainable Use of Sea Turtles Benefiting The Local Community in Rekawa Sanctuary, Sri Lanka
2. San Pancho Turtle Team

Part 2. Sea Turtle Field Research
3. Lessons From Three decades of Hawksbill Metal Tagging From Campeche, Mexico
4. Sea Turtle Population Health Assessments
5. Applications of Photo Identification in Sea Turtle Studies
6. Drones for Turtles
7. The Challenges of Maintaining A Hatchery in Rural Costa Rica

Part 3. Plastic & Sea Turtles
8. Green Phenix: Turning Waste Into Profit In Curacao
9. Plastics vs. Turtles: An overview of the Uruguayan Case

Part 4. Tourism and Sea Turtles
10. Working with the Tourism Industry to Support Conservation
11. The Evolution of the Spotters Program at Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica
12. Working With Communities to Manage Nesting Beach

Part 5. The Trade In Sea Turtle Products
13. Illegal Take, Trade and Use of Sea Turtles in the South-West Indian Ocean
14. Busting Bekko: The Nexus Between Local and International Advocacy to End Japan’s Import of Tortoiseshell
15. Stopping illegal hawksbill trafficking in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia
16. SeaTurtle Bycatch: A Global Challenge That Requires Adaptive Solutions For The 21st Century

Part 6. Climate Change & Sea Turtles
17. Studying How Rapid Changes in Water Temperature Impact Sea Turtles
18. Understanding the Impacts that Projected Increases Will Have On Sea Turtle Reproductive Output
19. Natural History 2.0: The Power of Direct Experience in Understanding, Connecting with, and Conserving Nature in the Modern Age

Part 7. Resources & Bibliography
20. Fundraising For Sea Turtle Conversation

Subject Areas: Animal breeding [TVHB], Animal husbandry [TVH], Zoology & animal sciences [PSV], Marine biology [PSPM], Animals & society [JFFZ]