Rescue & Protect Sea Turtles in Thailand and Asia

Dear Supporters,

Over the past few months, we’ve made some really great progress with our turtle enrichment project at one of our partner head-start centres. We’ve started using wave machines to create movement and currents in the water, something that the turtles had never experienced before. This is building up their strength and ability to swim with and against currents, something that will benefit them greatly when they return to the ocean. We have also been able to start leaving enrichment devices in the tanks for a few days at a time, previously we were only able to use the devices whilst we were at the centre. These devices, such as tunnels covered in rocks and coral skeletons, encourage the turtles to dive and rest underwater, natural behaviours they will need when they are released.

Our two long term interns have also begun their placement at this centre, and have been working hard on collecting data on the enrichment behaviour, as well as working to educate tourists and to support the centre in its day to day running.  

In addition to our turtle work, this quarter we have also carried out the launch of the Thai translation of Shark Guardian’s children’s book. The launch was carried out with around 160 children at one of our local schools. The day consisted of educational presentations and a number of fun, shark related activities. Everyone enjoyed the day and the children learned a lot about sharks and why they are so important.

We’ve also been busy with some community based conservation work. One of our projects has been to produce some simple wire bins to distribute in the community for plastic, cans and glass. We spent quite a bit of time making the bins and then distributed them throughout the village. These bins make it easier for the recyclables to be separated from the rest of the litter, and hopefully will keep some of these items out of landfill and out of the ocean.

One of our short term interns also carried out her leadership project at the CDC school, to educate the children on reducing their use of plastic. After an educational presentation, the kids were given the chance to decorate their own reusable canvas bag, which they can use instead of getting plastic bags from the shops. They really enjoyed the activity and really embraced the message behind it, so overall it was a great success!

With Gratitude, 

GVI Thailand