Marine Life Program
Studying sea turtles and reef ecosystems in our marine protected area so we can protect the health of our oceans
Healthy oceans mean a healthy planet!
Our oceans provide most of the oxygen we need to breathe, they are the main source of food for most of the human population on Earth, and they stabilize our climate.
The marine protected area at the Ostional National Wildlife Refuge contains many ecologically and economically important species and hosts one of the largest remaining populations of the olive ridley sea turtle.
What's happening to our oceans?
Runoff from sewage is harmful to marine life and causes harmful algal blooms (or red tide) which can be toxic and lethal to many marine organisms. Increasing ocean temperatures due to climate change also threaten reefs and other marine ecosystems.
However, the Refuge has limited funding and resources for monitoring outside of Ostional.
Our Program
The WCA's Marine Life program works to monitor oceanographic variables, sea turtles and reef ecosystem health within the local marine protected area at the Ostional National Wildlife Refuge.
We also engage and work with local fishing communities to share knowledge and empower them to better protect our oceans.
Sea Turtle Monitoring
Trained volunteers monitor Playa Guiones and Pelada in the mornings for sea turtle tracks and nests, in addition to collecting information about potential threats such as predation by dogs, illegal take, motorized vehicles, and bonfires.
Community members are also encouraged to submit reports of coincidental sightings to contribute.
We use an underwater drone to study sea turtle behavior and density in the marine protected area
Reef Monitoring
We maintain a marine buoy to monitor oceanographic data, including temperature data relevant to monitor the impacts of climate change of reef ecosystems. Currently, this data is interpolated based on modeling and sea surface temperatures alone. Our buoy provides important real-time local data and temperature at depth.
Surveys are also conducted to monitor the health of coral and rocky reef ecosystems.
Mapping Reef Ecosystems
Our team also worked with Allen Coral Atlas to collect GPS-referenced photos of the sea floor which were then used to create a map of the world's coral reefs that will allow us to monitor threats to these important ecosystems.
Results
Sea Turtle Monitoring
Our volunteers and community members reported a total of 24 observations in Pelada and Guiones in 2022.
Reef Monitoring
Oceanographic and reef survey data is available to the public and can be used to monitor the impact of climate change on our reef ecosystem.
Reef Ecosystem Map
A map of the world's reefs is now available online to monitor their threats, provide actionable data and a shared understanding of coastal ecosystems.
How Can You Help?
We rely on generous contributions from donors to support our program, including the cost of research supplies and equipment, boat expeditions, and dive gear rentals required to carry out surveys in the marine environment.
Take Action Now!
Download our Sea Turtle ID Guide here
Apply to volunteer and help us monitor turtles at Playa Guiones and Playa Pelada
Keep dogs off the beach or on leash to make sure they don't dig into turtle nests.
Learn more about how you can reduce light pollution.
