AHOY FROM THE TURTLE GIRLS!
We are three naturalists interested in hopping on the Baja Ha-Ha to guide cruisers through the process of reporting sea turtle sightings. We are working on a project called Sea Turtle Spotter, started by a cruiser, Dr. Rich Reiner on S/V Mandolina. We have heard a lot of cruisers observe sea turtles and we would love to start collecting this critical data on turtle sightings within the sailing community. This data collection helps us scientists to better understand sea turtle migration and habitat movement, which better equips us to protect sea turtles as well as their coastal habitats.
Our goal is to teach boaters about sea turtle identification and ecology and how to become citizen scientists by recording these important sea turtle sightings. We will be presenting workshops during the ports and working with cruisers along the route.
In order to achieve this goal, we need the help of the Baja Ha-Ha sailors! We are looking for some generous cruisers to invite us aboard their boats that are willing to provide food and bunk. In exchange for board, we are able and willing to cook, clean, trade wildlife knowledge, and help as crew. All three of us have sailing experience and love to learn more, so we will gladly lend our hands wherever needed, including any night watches. We would love the opportunity to collaborate with you in making this research project and the Baja Ha-Ha voyage a success!
A little bit about us:
The three of us attended school at Colorado State University and spent our 2019 winter break studying wildlife in Baja California Sur where we met marine scientist Stephanie Rousso and learned about her sea turtle conservation research. We then returned in the spring for an internship with her on Citizen Science Sea Turtle Conservation where we helped locals and tourists become citizen scientists by teaching them about sea turtle identification, ecology, life cycle, and how to easily record their sightings for use in research. Along the way, we met the lovely sailors of S/V Jersey Girl: Kenny, Donna and their pup Alegria. We sailed with them for a sea turtle cruise and they helped us hatch the idea of sailing with you on the Baja Ha-Ha to help in Stephanie’s research.
 Hola! My name is Abigail Bearce. I graduated from Colorado State University this past summer with a bachelors of science in Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology. I left my heart in Baja and I am passionate about conserving the precious marine wildlife that I had the amazing opportunity to study. I am currently living in Chicago and I love sailing! I have spent my last two summers working on a 1940s 60 foot custom ketch doing woodwork on the deck, helping rig the boat at the beginning of the summer, and taking it out for day sails on Lake Michigan.
 Hey there! My name is Danielle Palm. I also just graduated from Colorado State University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Ecosystem Science and Sustainability. I have a sincere passion for marine environments and have been pursuing that passion since high school through sailing, diving, snorkeling, and doing a little citizen science! I am now finishing my time in Colorado working for the Forest Service and am looking into Masters programs in marine science and moving to the coast. In the meantime, I hope to continue traveling to marine environments, developing my Spanish skills, and doing what I can about marine conservation with the wonderful people, like the sailing community, who make it possible.
 Hello everyone! My name is Kimberly Wynn and I too am an alumni of Colorado State University with a Masters of Natural Resource Stewardship. My undergrad degree is Environmental Science and Sustainability Studies. Currently I am an adjunct professor at Colorado Mountain College teaching Conservation Biology and Sustainability Studies. As enamored as I am with the mountains, my time in Baja has left me with a strong affinity and desire to learn more about and be more active in marine conservation in general and sea turtle citizen science education in particular. I would be extremely grateful for further opportunities to both share my knowledge and learn from others. Helping raise awareness about the myriad challenges being faced by the endless source of life and wonder that is the ocean is an honor.
If you can offer any help or would like to learn more, please contact Abigail at abibea22@gmail.com
We look forward to meeting everyone and getting to enjoy the magnificent Pacific Coast with you in November!
The Baja Ha-Ha Rally Committee supports their cause and wishes Abigail, Danielle and Kimberly the best of luck in finding a ride.
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