COMMUNITY BASED SEA TURTLE RESTORATION PROGRAM IN BANGLADESH

Funds under this award are to be used to implement a sea turtle conservation program in Bangladesh.

The intent is to address threats from poaching of eggs and accidental capture and mortality in coastal gill net and trawl fisheries.

Activities include: 1) training community members to conduct nesting beach surveys and nest protection along the 250 km coast of Cox's Bazar and Parki beach and expanding to cover an additional 150 km of suitable nesting beachse ; 2)working with fisherman to implement best practices to reduce sea turtle capture, injury and mortality; 3) preparing educational and outreach materials and conducting education and awareness programs with local communities, fisherman and schools; and 4) complete construction of a sea turtle rehabilitation center for turtles injured by boats or accidental capture in nets or trawls and will also serve as an education center for local people and attraction for tourists.