Setting up to measure/weigh/tag the sea turtles.
Capturing the sea turtles for monitoring.
A whale shark swims by.
Measuring the sea turtles.
Deni at work with the whale sharks.
A juvenile whale shark feeding.
Scientist Deni Ramirez with a baby whale shark.
Releasing the turtles after collecting data.
We have incorporated two wildlife conservation projects into our expeditions. Not everyone who has an interest in the protection and conservation of wildlife has the opportunity to get out into the field and participate in such programs. Now, with Panterra, you can participate in both the conservation and research of marine wildlife by joining us on one of our expeditions or by a kind monetary donation. Panterra contributes material and monetary donations to both projects.
The programs are as follows:
1. Sea Turtle Monitoring
Brief Info: Five of the world’s eight species of sea turtles (Loggerheads, Leatherbacks, Green, Olive Ridleys, and Hawksbills ) migrate from the Sea of Cortez to Japan and back. A Loggerhead that was tagged in the Sea of Cortez, 16 months and 11,000 kilometers later, was found in Japan. They can go without food for a very long time and they can hold their breath underwater for anywhere from 1 hour to months at a time depending on the species and the activity they are engaged in. It is not known how long sea turtles live. Scientists have recorded life-spans up to 175 years but there is no accurate way of aging these amazing creatures. Sea turtles are on the critically endangered/threatened species list.
The ultimate goal of the conservation project is to capture the turtles, measure, weigh and tag them, then releasing the turtles back into the sea. Gathering this information gives researchers the opportunity to learn about their migrations, life cycles and social structures.
We will be assisting Felipe Cuevas and his father Palo who are local fishermen from the village of Pardito. These two men are responsible for the program in their community. The monitoring takes place over a 24 hour period with checks every 4 hours. Not to worry, in between the monitoring periods we will be hiking, snorkeling and kayaking.
We are also in the process of assisting two other communities in their sea turtle monitoring programs.
2. Whale Shark Research
(Sea of Cortez only) Brief Info: The whale shark is the largest fish in the world reaching a length of up to 20 meters. They are harmless plankton eaters, and tend to feed close to the ocean surface. They can live to 100 years and females start reproducing around 30 years of age. The whale shark is easily identified due to its very distinctive pattern of white colored spots, its wide mouth and enormous size. Because of their rarity and elusiveness, little is known about this species of shark. They are highly migratory and only through world collaboration can these animals truly be studied and conservation programs be put into place. There are only four places on the planet that whale sharks make predictable appearances at certain times of year. The Sea of Cortez is one of those 4 spots.
We will be working with world renowned whale shark scientist Deni Ramirez Macias. The research will consist of photo ID, gathering data on size, sex and scars, taking DNA samples and possibly placing satellite tags. This means that we get to be in the water alongside Deni and the whale sharks to help her with this research!
All whale shark images posted on this site are copyrighted by Deni Ramirez Macias. No images may be used in any form without the written permission of Deni Ramirez Macias. Unauthorized use is subject to severe civil and criminal penalties under Canadian and international copyright laws.
If you want an unique vacation experience that is fun and rewarding, our all inclusive adventure travel expeditions are exactly what you are looking for.
Our Sea of Cortez expeditions leave from La Paz, Baja California Sur Mexico. La Paz is a few hours north of the famous Cabo San Lucas and south of scenic Loreto.
