Volunteer research and field assistants for in-water surveying in southern Mexican Caribbean

The Costa Maya Turtle Project operates in the southern Mexican Caribbean. Research is conducted within three nationally protected areas that include the Banco Chinchorro Biosphere Reserve, Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve and Xcalak National Marine Park.

In January of 2014, Littlefeet Environmental developed the Costa Maya Turtle Project partnering with El Colegio de la Frontera Sur (ECOSUR), a national university in Mexico. As Littlefeet Environmental's very first grassroots, conservation project, we will be working with three different species of sea turtle within the Costa Maya including Hawksbills, Greens and Loggerheads with potential for opportunistic sightings of Leatherbacks.

We will be conducting snorkel, scuba and boating surveys utilising popular capture methods such as ‘Sea Turtle Rodeo’ and one of our newly developed methods ‘Diver-Snorkeler Pass Off. Our three targeted areas are currently data deficient and our objective is to start building a picture of population size and dynamics, habitat use and behaviour, along with mapping important foraging and nesting areas.

You will get a hands on experience working with these critically endangered species, conducting research in previously unstudied areas while obtaining your PADI Scuba Diving qualifications to Rescue Diver along with a healthy dose of Mexican culture and Spanish language.

Duties
1) Data collection and input
2) Participation in scuba diving (if qualified), snorkeling and boating surveys
3) Participation in nesting surveys, where applicable
4) Working hands on with sea turtles and collecting data (tagging, biopsies, measurements)
5) Camp maintenance (cooking and cleaning schedules)
6) Spanish speaking beneficial, but not mandatory (You’ll surprised how fast you pick it up!)

Requirements
A passion for adventure, conservation and of course, marine turtles!
*Our projects are run in highly remote areas, good fitness an asset but not required.

Benefits/Costs
Prices will vary depending on the length of time you choose to volunteer. Please email Courtney (courtney@littlefeet.org.uk) for further details and pricing lists.
*Volunteer fees include all ground transportation, accommodation, food and project training. International flights, personal insurance/visas and PADI Scuba Diving courses are not included.

Additional Contact Information
For more information or to answer any questions/concerns please contact Littlefeet Environmental Project Coordinator, Courtney Huisman at (courtney@littlefeet.org.uk) or our Director, Andy Farmer at (andy@littlefeet.org.uk).