Join Together to Protect Sea Turtles on World Sea Turtle Day 2020
Tuesday 16th of June 2020
Join Together to Protect Sea Turtles on World Sea Turtle Day 2020
The World Sea Turtle Day is celebrated on 16th June, the birthday of Dr. Archie Carr who is widely known as “the father of sea turtle biology.” Dr. Carr focused his entire career on sea turtle research and conservation. It is important that we continue to protect these animals that have been around since the times of dinosaurs.
One of the ways you can help make a difference is with the The Olive Ridley Project. The Project was founded in 2013 by Biologist Martin Stelfox in response to the large amounts of entangled olive ridley sea turtles he encountered in the Maldives. While physically removing ghost nets, they promote recycling of end-of-life fishing nets, offer marine and turtle conservation education programs, carry out research, and provide appropriate care, protection, treatment and security for turtles found entangled and injured.
The Olive Ridley Project offers three sea turtle volunteer programs in the Maldives:
Volunteer with Sea Turtles
Join them for a 2, 3 or 4 week sea turtle volunteer program at the ORP Marine Turtle Rescue Centre at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu Resort in Baa Atoll. Anyone who is 18+, an able swimmer and has a passion for sea turtles, can volunteer to help the veterinarian care for the turtle patients at the rescue center, learn lots about sea turtles, marine conservation and marine life in general, and make many new friends – humans as well as reptiles.
Sea Turtle Research Expedition
Join the ORP as a research volunteer on a three-week expedition in Haa Alif Atoll to explore a remote part of Maldives for sea turtles. For anyone adventurous and passionate about sea turtles, this is a great opportunity. Although you never know what to expect, during previous expeditions, volunteers encountered lots of turtles, dolphins, reef sharks and rays, including a few manta rays.
Visiting Veterinarian Program
This program provides a unique opportunity for qualified veterinarians specializing in exotic medicine from around the world to obtain hands on experience working with wild sea turtles in a tropical location. They must be willing to share their knowledge in key areas with our Resident Veterinarian in a CPD-like manner.