Turtles in need of eco-volunteers
The sea turtle nesting season officially began on 1 March and will run until 30 November. The Nature Reserve is looking for eco-volunteers to monitor their activities.
Since 2009, the Saint-Martin Nature Reserve Management Association has been coordinating a local network of eco-volunteers who help gather information on nesting sea turtles through what is known as ‘nest tracking’; in simple terms, this involves recording the tracks left by these protected species when they come ashore to lay their eggs on the beaches. This year, too few sites are being monitored to contribute effectively to the conservation of breeding turtles in Saint-Martin. Only five eco-volunteers are patrolling four of the 28 recorded nesting sites. Yet this monitoring is essential for the effective protection of their vital habitats. The Nature Reserve will therefore be organising a third information meeting this Saturday, 20 June, from 9.30 am to 11 am at its premises in Hope Estate.
All nature lovers who wish to help preserve this iconic wildlife are invited to attend. Everything will be explained at the meeting, but in short, all you need to do is sign up to the rota and then patrol the beach of your choice once a week. It’s not a big commitment, and if you look on the bright side, it’s a great way to get a bit of weekly exercise! To register for the meeting: Aude Berger, Project Manager, Scientific Division, reservenat.aude@yahoo.com or 06 90 47 02 13.
