In Martinique, you'll be studying two species classified as red on the International Union for Conservation of Nature(IUCN) list: the green turtle and an iguana endemic to the Lesser Antilles called the peyi. The scientific project in which you will take part is based on innovative techniques such as identifying the vocal repertoire of sea turtles. This scientific trip, run in partnership with the CNRS, takes place on a sailing boat. All participative science trips here
The scientific project focuses on the Lesser Antilles, in Martinique. The partner NGO has created this participatory science trip in partnership with the CNRS, to study endangered species, including the green turtle (Chelonia mydas) and an iguana endemic to the Lesser Antilles (Iguanidae Iguana delicatissima).
Acoustic study of sea turtles
Today, all seven species of sea turtle are endangered. Among them, the green turtle is on the International Union for Conservation of Nature(IUCN) red list. To improve monitoring and conservation of the three main sea turtles in the West Indies, the CNRS has launched a study to identify their vocal repertoire. This acoustic research on sea turtles opens up new prospects, particularly for reducing accidental entanglement in fishing nets.
Study of the behavior of the Lesser Antillean peyi iguana
The Peyi Iguana population has been monitored since 2012, thanks to a capture-mark-recapture protocol on the islet Chancel, Martinique. However, this monitoring highlights the decline in the number of peyi iguanas year on year. This is despite efforts to improve the iguanas' habitat and reduce their predators: hens, rats, mongooses and the invasive common iguana. The study launched by the CNRS involves describing the behavior of each species in order to better understand their needs and the effects of competition between them.
This is a participatory science trip on a sailboat. The data you collect will be used to enrich the work of researchers.
You will take part in collecting acoustic data on green turtles for 4 days. You will also be collecting behavioral data on the Peyi Iguana for 4 days.
Acoustic study of green turtles
You will make recordings at the main feeding sites of green turtles to characterize them acoustically. You will observe the turtles' reactions to various disturbances, particularly from tourist activities. The trip will take place during school vacations, to facilitate data collection for this part of the study.
Study of iguana behavior
As part of the iguana research project, you'll be collecting data on their behavior. Your observations will help establish an ethogram (catalog of behaviors).
Your daily life
Depending on weather and other conditions, you will sail to a study site. You will be :
- In charge of acoustic recordings from the boat (hydrophone),
- In the water or at the surface to look for and film turtles observed by swimmers to characterize any disturbance.
- Days when you'll be studying iguanas. The sailboat's tender will drop you off near the iguana observation sites.
You will learn to:
- Implement scientific protocols: acoustic recordings, characterization of disturbance of sea turtles at their feeding sites, ethological surveys on the 2 iguana species present in Martinique.
- Organize your team for the various studies
- Observing animals ethically
- Learn sailing vocabulary and take part in manoeuvres
- Snorkeling (swimming with fins, mask and snorkel)
Date and price
- Date: February 12 to February 22, 2024
- Price: €5451 - €1853 after tax deduction *.
50 € discount by mentioning Cap sur l'Écovolonotariat
Included in price
- Framing
- Meals
- Accommodation on the yacht
- Logistics
Not included
- Personal effects
- Airline tickets
- Travel insurance
Tax deductible *
The NGO partner Objectif Sciences international is recognized for the quality, usefulness, solidarity and educational nature of its stays and training courses dedicated to achieving the goals of sustainable development. The NGO operates on the donation-action principle. A person makes a donation and participates in an NGO action. Note that the person making the donation may be different from the person taking the action. As such, the cost of the training or scientific stay is tax-deductible up to 66% in France.
- Adults, families, children aged 16 and over, alone or accompanied
- Up to 8 participants
- Languages: English and French
Housing
Upon your arrival in Fort de France, you'll embark on a 20 m-long sailboat. It has several cabins, a common area and sanitary facilities. A dinghy will take you ashore.
Two professional sailors will help you with the maneuvers and, of course, the various tasks of daily life.
You'll enjoy a unique experience on a beautiful sailboat, while sailing through magnificent landscapes.
You'll learn navigation vocabulary and take part in maneuvers.
You'll learn a lot about turtles and iguanas.
The NGO partner
Partner NGO Objectif Sciences international has Special Consultative Status with the UN (ECOSOC) and is a member of the AAAS Science and Human Rights Coalition. Specializing in scientific trips, science and participatory research, the NGO believes that education is the driving force behind the Sustainable Development Goals. It offers a range of participatory science trips for adults and minors. All OSI programs here
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