Turtle Spotter Challenge

Be a citizen scientist. Help us understand and protect
Trinidad and Tobago’s sea turtles.

About the Project

Five species of sea turtles are found around Trinidad and Tobago, both on our nesting beaches and in our waters. All are considered globally threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and are designated locally as Environmentally Sensitive Species.

To conserve these species effectively, we need a better understanding of where they live, how they move, how long they remain in particular areas and the threats they face.

Turtle Spotter is a citizen science initiative by SpeSeas, in collaboration with Save Our Sea Turtles (SOS) Tobago, that invites members of the public to contribute to sea turtle monitoring and conservation. By sharing sightings, photographs, videos and dive logs, you can help researchers build a clearer picture of sea turtle habitat use and support targeted conservation measures.

See a turtle?

Help us monitor sea turtles by sharing information, photographs and videos from your sightings. Choose whichever reporting method works best for you.

Every report is valuable, even if you cannot identify the species or capture the perfect photograph.

Going diving?

Help us understand sea turtle activity at local dive sites by submitting your dive logs, whether or not you spot a turtle.

Logging all your dives, including those without sightings, helps researchers monitor how frequently turtles are observed at different sites.

Why participate?

The information you contribute can help us:

  • Identify critical habitats: Locate important areas for sea turtles, estimate their relative abundance and monitor trends over time.
  • Recognise individual turtles: Use photo-identification (Photo-ID) software to identify and track individual turtles across sightings.
  • Understand movements: Examine turtle movements and how long individuals remain in particular locations.
  • Identify local threats: Determine which threats may be affecting sea turtles at different sites.
  • Recommend targeted conservation measures: Use the evidence collected to guide interventions that support the protection of these species.

By contributing to Turtle Spotter, you help build the scientific knowledge needed to protect Trinidad and Tobago’s sea turtles.

For help identifying the species you see, consult this sea turtle identification guide, created by the Wider Caribbean Sea Turtle Conservation Network (WIDECAST).

Tips for taking photos:

Clear photographs can help researchers identify individual turtles using Photo-ID software.

  • Aim to capture at least three clear photographs of the turtle’s head: one from the left, one from the right and one from above.
  • Get as close as you safely can without disturbing or harassing the turtle.
  • If you cannot capture all three views, submit whatever photographs or videos you have. Imperfect images and incomplete reports are still valuable.

Always prioritise the turtle’s safety and avoid changing its behaviour to get a better photograph.

Tips for responsible turtle watching:

Whether you encounter a turtle on a nesting beach, while snorkelling or diving, or from a boat, please follow these guidelines:

  • Do not use flash photography when observing nesting turtles.
  • Always approach a nesting turtle from behind, where safe and appropriate, and avoid blocking its path.
  • Maintain a distance of at least two metres (2 m) from nesting turtles, and keep further away if the turtle shows signs of disturbance.
  • Never touch a turtle or stand in its path.
  • Do not chase, grab or harass turtles while snorkelling or diving.
  • Do not feed sea turtles.
  • Go slowly and give turtles plenty of space when boating in shallow habitats.

For additional guidance, see these general guidelines for visiting turtle nesting beaches.

Who are our project funders?

Project partner: Save Our Sea Turtles (SOS) Tobago

Funders and supporters: