Grant: 25-047E
Project Title: STC Big Bend Sea Turtle Education Initiative
Project Manager: Evan Cooper
Organization: Sea Turtle Conservancy (Non-Profit Organization)
Grant Amount: $17,847.00
Completion Date:
Summary: Sea Turtle Conservancy (STC) will launch an educational outreach program targeting schools and residents within the Big Bend region of Florida. Compared to other, more populated areas of the state, there has been a lack of sea turtle outreach efforts in this part of the state, yet there are critically important populations of sea turtles that reside along this coast. STC has been conducting an in-water turtle research program in the region for the last 5 years and has observed a strong desire by members of the public to know more about the turtles along this coast and the threats they face. Meanwhile, there are many human-caused threats to sea turtles here, particularly associated with boat-based and shore-based recreational fishing, which could be reduced through targeted educational activities. This project will include conducting in-person presentations in schools, as well as presentations in local libraries and with civic organizations, expanding STC's reach to local students through distance-learning presentations. This program will provide local students with high-quality, accurate presentations and age-appropriate lesson plans that make sea turtle education fun, informative, and engaging. We also will reach local adults, particularly boaters and fishermen who frequent these Gulf of Mexico waters, with information that can help reduce impacts to sea turtles. The STC Big Bend Sea Turtle Education Initiative will bridge the knowledge gap and allow students, parents, and other locals to learn about what is right in their backyard, and inspire them to play important stewardship roles.
Results: