Hi I'm Caitlin,
A 19 year old student fundraising to volunteer in kefalonia on a loggerhead sea turtle research and conservation project. This project looks at how light pollution affects the hatchlings and stops them reaching the sea. Its aims are to try and move seafront lighting so that it doesn't confuse the hatchlings, and also to try and get more information about their nests and breeding habits. Part of the project is to educate the locals about the importance of relocating seafront lighting, educating tourists in the dangers of littering and the importance of conserving this endangered species.
I will be travelling to the beaches (by bike) at 5am everyday to get there before the tourists, to measure new nests, count the eggs in the nests, record activity which has happened overnight and preserve existing nests by marking out the area so tourists dont go near or damage the nests.
This is a cause very close to my heart after visting zakynthos at the age of 6 and observing loggerhead turtles in their natural habitat, my love for marine animals and animals in general has grown so much that I am now studying Animal Behaviour and Psychology at University with one of my modules this year specifically focussing on marine animal behaviour. To be able to help this amazing sea creature would be a dream come true, clarifying which avenue I will pursue in my future career, which undoubtedly will involve helping animals.
Any donations will be a massive help and incredibly gratefully recieved!