TAPS

Turtle Awareness and Protection Studies (TAPS),
Bay Islands, Honduras

Logo designed by Nancy Blauers

TAPS

Turtle Adoption Program

Throughout their respective ranges the green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) is listed as Endangered and the hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) has been designated as Critically Endangered in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Animals.

The global population of hawksbills has declined as much as 80 percent in the last 105 years, with declines projected to
continue over the next 100 years. It is surprising that so few studies have focused on this species over the past 50 years of scientific monitoring of marine turtles. This is especially true in the Central American country of Honduras.

Our TAPS seek to increase awareness and understanding of juvenile hawksbill and green sea turtles in Honduran waters initially by documenting the movements, habitat usage, and migratory onset of a cohort of turtles 'reclaimed' from local area fishermen by tagging then mapping their locations as they move through the water column and across the sea surface.

We are especially thankful to Larry and Carol Stevenson, owners of the Reef House Resort, for their generous 'in-kind' and logistical support of the project, the support of their staff, and their care and concern for these endangered animals. Their support staff and guests are also integral parts of this project, as are the local community and people such as Karla Ventura (PMAIB) and Romeo Silvestri (Roatan Tourism Chamber of Commerce).


		Turtle Awareness and Protection Studies (TAPS), Bay Islands, Honduras Logo designed by Nancy Blauers
	TAPS Turtle Adoption Program Updates Galleries Team Supporters Honduras Home Dunbar Home Dunbar LLU	Throughout their respective ranges the green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) is listed as Endangered and the hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) has been designated as Critically Endangered in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Animals. The global population of hawksbills has declined as much as 80 percent in the last 105 years, with declines projected to continue over the next 100 years. It is surprising that so few studies have focused on this species over the past 50 years of scientific monitoring of marine turtles. This is especially true in the Central American country of Honduras. Our TAPS seek to increase awareness and understanding of juvenile hawksbill and green sea turtles in Honduran waters initially by documenting the movements, habitat usage, and migratory onset of a cohort of turtles 'reclaimed' from local area fishermen by tagging then mapping their locations as they move through the water column and across the sea surface. We are especially thankful to Larry and Carol Stevenson, owners of the Reef House Resort, for their generous 'in-kind' and logistical support of the project, the support of their staff, and their care and concern for these endangered animals. Their support staff and guests are also integral parts of this project, as are the local community and people such as Karla Ventura (PMAIB) and Romeo Silvestri (Roatan Tourism Chamber of Commerce).