In the wake of a five-year, steadily increasing peak in nesting activity, the project aimed high in predicting this season’s numbers. The first half of the 2010 nesting season, however, has fallen short with significantly less activity at the midpoint than the last two years. From June 1st to August 31st, the project’s 24th season has 56 documented individuals and 159 nests, nine individuals and 49 nests less than last year’s numbers. Only ten of these individuals are neophytes, compared to 21 at this point last year. Despite relatively low records, August presented a surge of activity with more mothers arriving, the first nests of the season hatching, guests eager to witness a nesting hawksbill, and storms lining up in the Atlantic.
Waves of resort guests joined the turtle team on the beach several times a week and EAG (Environmental Awareness Group) turtle trips resumed on Friday nights, giving the project educational outreach opportunities for tourists and Antiguans. As a long-established program, the JBHP also has much to offer developing projects in the region and will be hosting and training two volunteers from the recently established Anguilla Sea Turtle Conservation Group of the Anguilla National Trust.
More to come!
