Coastal Sea Turtle Research

The Project

The collection of biological data is extremely important to this organisation in light of the urgent need to obtain information to conserve Ecuador’s ecosystems and marine resources, in particular, sea turtles. 

Until very recently it was believed that Hawksbill turtles only nested in the coasts of Central America. However, in 2008 this organisation found that this critically endangered species also nests in the beaches of Ecuador’s Coastline. Since then, with the aid of volunteers, research has been undertaken to learn more about this enigmatic creature and its presence in Ecuador. Other turtles that can be found in the area are green turtles, leatherbacks, hawksbills and olive-ridley turtles.

Despite their beauty and ecological importance, these gentle creatures are critically endangered.  Their nesting sites are being destroyed and over-fishing is depleting the oceans of food that is imperative for their survival.

The Location

The project is located in a small fishing village set in a bay on the coast of Ecuador. It is a prime turtle nesting location and quite possibly the most important area on the entire coast of Ecuador for turtle conservation. The beach is the focus of local life with fishermen mending their nets, courting couples, dolphins swimming in the bay, unaccompanied cows wandering along the shore and kids running down to play in the breakers at sunset. The beachside tree lined promenade is bustling with restaurants, cabanas and nightclubs.. The climate is tropical and the average temperature is 26 degrees Celsius. 

The area is renowned for its coral reef and ecotourism activities and an ideal place from which to explore Machalilla National Park, an area classified as an ecological reserve and of archaeological importance. Machalilla National Park encompasses 55,000 hectares of land and two offshore islands, Isla de la Plata and Isla Salango. It constitutes the last remnants of dry tropical forest in Ecuador and is home to a rich variety of birdlife as well as some reptiles and mammals. Its fascination lies in the combination of desert, low-lying areas, beaches, bays and cliffs providing beautiful landscapes and endless photo opportunities. 

There are two official languages spoken in Ecuador. The most common one is Spanish introduced by the Spanish invaders some 480 years ago. The other one, Quechua was also a foreign tongue brought by the earlier invaders, the Incas. Quechua is mostly spoken by rural indigenous people in remote regions of the Andes and Amazon. There are also several other languages spoken by various Amazon tribes.

Our Volunteers

You will dedicate most of your time to biological data collection and dissemination that is of great importance for the projects carried out by this organization. Sea turtles spend most of their lives in the ocean, but nest on beaches. At certain times of the year, when the tides and seasons align, the females abandon the security of the ocean and make their way up the beaches to lay their eggs. Sea turtles are very vulnerable on land, and even after a nest is successfully laid, it is still very susceptible to harm by humans. 

Through this volunteer program, you will gain an invaluable experience and share unforgettable moments with staff, the local people and with the biodiversity of Ecuador's coast. Your input is imperative since very little research has been done on Ecuador's coasts regarding the quantity and frequency of sea turtle nests. 

The work is interesting and unique and is very hands-on during rescues and releases. You will forge friendships that may last a lifetime while you directly contribute towards the conservation of this incredible region of the world.

Prior studies in Biology, Marine Biology, Ecology, Environmental Sciences or related sciences are preferable but not essential; however, it is necessary that you have experience with elementary statistical analyses and the capacity to learn field sampling techniques and know how to apply them in the field satisfactorily. More importantly, candidates must have the capacity to learn field sampling techniques and know how to apply them in the field satisfactorily. Research Assistants are trusted with the review and analysis of the data collected in the field, therefore it is necessary that the candidates have experience with elementary statistical analyses, for example, creating tables, bar charts and histograms.

Conditions Onsite

The project's activities are affected by the season. For example, nesting season usually begins in January so you may not find a laying turtle in order to count the eggs. It is not impossible though! 

Although project staff try their best to accomplish all tasks as scheduled, sometimes these cannot be carried out due to various factors (i.e. bad climate conditions). For this reason, we ask volunteers to be patient and understanding. 

With respect to turtle capture, we cannot always capture them as they are wild animals. The capture success depends on tides, climate conditions, and seasonality.

Please Note

The second instalment of your project fees is due within 1 week after you paid the deposit on Volunteer World. This is a total of $495 AUD and comes off your balance. The balance is due 90 days prior to travel. For all further information about the fees, please scroll down to the section "Program Fees“.

• Field sampling 
  
• Statistical analysis 
  
• Collecting data, analysing and entering results 
  
• Coordinating small research projects
  
• Undertaking environmental education activities 
  
• Camping and patrolling beaches during the day and night
  
• Walking beaches collecting trash 

You can easily walk anywhere in town. That said, there's an abundance of motorcycle-powered "ecotaxis" that will take you anywhere in town for $1.50. 

There are plenty of travel opportunities along a coast of long deserted beaches, mangroves and coastal lowlands. It is also the country's agricultural centre with large plantations, especially bananas, dominating the inland plains. 

Transport along all this part of the coast is easy because there’s only one road. Buses run either North or South, appear about every 30 minutes and you can flag one down or get off at any point you choose.

Visit the stunning and protected beaches of Los Frailes. Reputed to be the most beautiful beach in Ecuador and the star of countless posters, Los Frailes is 30 minutes away by bus. 

Visit the nearby Santa Elena Peninsula and Santa Clara Island provides the largest refuge for maritime birds in Ecuador and the tallest mangroves in the world are located along the Spondylus route, in the forest of Majagual in the Cayapas-Mataje Ecological Reserve in the province of Esmeraldas.

A day trip to Agua Blanca is a must! A small village inside the National Park is home to an excellent archaeological museum containing local ceramics, jewellery and domestic objects attributed to the Manteña civilisation dating from 500 BC – 1500 AD.

Isla de La Plata is a top spot for whale-watching as it is one of the primary sites in Ecuador for humpback whales.

For longer trips, take a bus to Guayaquil, Quito or take a guided nature trip deep into the virgin heart of the Amazon. Visit the mountainous region of the Andes where you find active volcanoes and crater lakes or for the more active traveller, you may try rafting, kayaking, trekking, mountain climbing, mountain biking, white water rafting or bird watching.

If you have time, a trip to the Galapagos Islands is sure to be memorable.