Introduction
The Savannah Science Museum began the Caretta Research Project (CRP) in 1972, in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Wassaw Island, LLC. The summer of 2012 marks the 40th year of the sea turtle research and conservation program on Wassaw Island, GA, making it one of the longest running tagging projects on the eastern coast of the United States. The Caretta Research Project focuses on the research and conservation of the threatened loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) on Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge. The objectives of the CRP are to:
- learn more about population levels, trends and nesting habits of loggerhead sea turtles;
- enhance the survival of eggs and hatchlings on a nesting beach where loss to predators and
- beach erosion have historically been high; and
- educate and involve the public in research and conservation efforts for the loggerhead turtle.
Types of Projects
Egg Laying Season (mid May through early August)
Most of each night is spent patrolling the 6.5 mile of beach looking for female turtles that have emerged from
the ocean to lay their eggs. When a turtle is spotted, the team waits for the right time to begin their work.
All data is recorded, including measurements and tag numbers. Inclonel and PIT ags are applied if untagged.
Samples and other data are collected for collaborative research projects.
If nests are in a high risk area, the eggs are relocated to a safer place in the sand dunes. All nest are
covered with screens to protect them from raccoon and hog predation. Because turtles usually lay their
eggs at night, daytime is when the team sleeps and has free time to explore the island, relax, swim in the
ocean or catch up on any reading.
Hatching season (late July through September)
Each of the nests is monitored for signs of hatching. If present during emergence,members of the team
escort the hatchlings to the water. Three days after the hatchlings emerge, the nest must be carefully
excavated and the unhatched eggs counted. Hatching success is determined for each nest.
Most eggs hatch during the night, giving the hatchlings the safety of darkness to make their way across the
sand to the water. Because not all the nests hatch at once, there's usually more time during the hatching
season to enjoy day activities.
Locations
Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge, just off of the coast of Savannah, GA
Timeline
Mid-May through early September.
Accommodations
Team members stay in two small cabins close to the center of Wassaw Island. The volunteer cabin has 2
bunk beds and two single beds in a one room dormitory with an indoor bathroom and an outdoor shower.
There is no electricity or hot water. The cabin has a partial wall partition but is essentially one room for 6
people. The staff cabin contains the kitchen/dining area and staff bunkroom and a screened dining area.
Housing is extremely rustic. Electricity is available only in the kitchen cabin and phones can be charged there.
Once again, there is no air conditioning.
Food is included in the registration fee. A typical weeks' menus may include grilled chicken, pizza and
spaghetti. Team members help with daily housekeeping and dinner food prep, cooking and cleanup.
Breakfast, lunch and snacks are on your own from the cupboard selection. Please advise the staff in
writing of any special dietary requirements when you send your application.
Prerequisites
Age - If you are traveling by yourself, or with friends your age, you must be at least 16 years old.
Exceptions have been made for highly motivated younger students.
Health - Good health. Plan on lots of walking each night and anytime the nests have to be relocated,
plan on digging and carrying the bucket of eggs to the new nest. Good night vision will be helpful since
most of the work is at night and use of flashlights is limited so the turtles aren't disturbed.
Most important is a positive attitude and sense of adventure. The cabin is small and it is close quarters
especially if it is raining. There is no air conditioning so be prepared for humidity and a few bugs.
Costs
The registration fee for the project volunteers is $750 per person per week. The fee covers all food, housing,
training, and boat transportation to and from the island.
The Savannah Science Museum, Inc., parent organization of the project, is a non-profit organization. Since
this is a volunteer work project and not a recreational opportunity, part of your registration fee and certain
out-of-pocket expenses directly related to your participation (airline tickets, overnight lodging immediately
before or after your week) may be tax deductible. Check with your tax consultant or accountant for
confirmation.
To Apply
Check our website www.carettaresearchproject.org for more information and availability of weeks. Or e-mail
us at wassawcrp@aol.com. Once you have a week reserved, print the application and waiver and send that in
with your check. We will send back a confirmation with all information necessary to participate (meeting and
return times, packing list, recommended reading, ...)
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