Turtle Release at the STC

We here at GVI would like to give a big thank you to our partners at the Sea Turtle Conservancy (STC). We were lucky enough to be invited to their release of Shelldon, the green turtle, outside the STC research station in Tortuguero village. Members of the local community and tourists alike also gathered in great numbers to see the intrepid turtle prepare for her voyage. Once the transmitter had been secured to her carapace, Shelldon successfully traversed a beach ‘runway’ and made her way out to sea.

 Shelldon entering the sea

Shelldon’s departure marked the culmination of much careful planning and hard work on the part of the STC. With the satellite transmitter in place, they can now monitor her movements both during and outside of nesting season. The transmitter should stay attached for 2 years and the data gathered from turtles like Shelldon will provide invaluable information into the migratory paths of the greens of Tortuguero. It will also give an insight into the threats these majestic creatures face from legal harvests up north in Nicaragua, as well the threats from illegal poaching here in Tortuguero National Park.

GVI staff & volunteers at the release

We wish Shelldon and the STC every success in this project. More information about their work can be viewed on their website www.conserveturtles.org Shelldons’ movements can also be monitored at www.conserveturtles.org/satelliteturtles where she will be competing against 14 other turtles for the title of most distance travelled!

Turtle Release at the STC