I’m off on an editorial assignment to cover the plight of the critically endangered Pacific Loggerhead Sea Turtle off the coast of Baja California Sur, Mexico. The amazing conservation efforts by researchers and local fishermen is truly inspiring, and one that warrants publicity, support and documentation.
A Sea Turtle Assignment in Costa Rica a few years back…
The Loggerhead sea turtles (or caguamas in Spanish) stop in Baja during their migration from Japan and Hawaii to a specific series of “hotspots” in the Mexico. During their time in Baja California Sur, thousands are killed every year accidentally by shark and halibut gill-netting fishermen. The local fishermen are not intentionally killing the turtles but their nets consistently produce a “bykill” of caguamas every year.
I’ll be bobbing around in a small boat about 35km off of Baja California Sur…
My old college friend, Hoyt Peckham is a PhD candidate studying these populations, and has spearheaded an incredible campaign to educate, inspire and engage local communities to protect these turtles. Watch Hoyt’s FANTASTIC (and entertaining) short video to get a sense of the problems facing the caguamas and the communities that are rallying to protect them. Much more to come!
In addition to making consistent financial contributions to the environmental organizations and community groups we believe in, we also commit one week a year to photographing for the causes that are making a positive difference in this world. If you’re part of an organization, you believe in a cause or you know of a worthy story that could use our help, let us know!
