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World Ocean Day
Tracking & Identifying Sea Turtles
Who are เต่าทะเลอ่าวไทย - Tao Talay Aow Thai?
Firstly, Tao Taly is a citizen science project focused on sea turtles in the Gulf of Thailand. The Project is by ATMEC - Aow Thai Marine Ecology Center in partnership with the DMCR (Departement of Marine and Coastal Resources).
Secondly, multiple research and conservation organizations are also collaborating. These include Chulalongkorn University, Love Wildlife, Conservation Diver, and others. In addition to marine tourism businesses in the Gulf of Thailand.
Lastly, It cannot be emphasized enough how important citizen science data capture and study is. By submitting turtle data, scuba divers and the larger ocean-loving communities stay informed about their local ocean. Their data allows for a greater understanding of Sea turtle populations and also what we can do to help protect them and let them thrive!
What Do Tao Talay Aow Thai Do?
The gather and analysis turtle data submitted by you!, the citizen science community. They work with the local community overall to help people work together and inspire knowledge. Moreover, they share Educational materials for people to learn more about helping Sea Turtles. Teaching people how to have safe interactions with Turtles that will help too. By promoting citizen science, lots of data can be gathered as Thailand has a large, growing ocean-loving community.
Why Do We Need เต่าทะเลอ่าวไทย - Tao Talay Aow Thai?
Sea Turtles need saving! six of the seven sea turtle species to become threatened or endangered around the world. Two of the world’s six endangered or critically endangered species of marine turtles are found in Thailand's Gulf: the hawksbill and green turtles. Tao Talay spreads a fantastic educational message and as a result, forms a spearhead in Thai gulf Sea turtle Protection. The Local community is doing awesome but we can always use a helping hand! We are learning more and more people get involved. With more eyes on the oceans than ever before, the amount of data captured is unbelievable compared to before!
This data leads to understanding important sea turtle behavior patterns via tracking data, For instance, diet, and connections to certain coral types. Can we promote the protection of corals AND help turtles keep their favorite feed? I think we can!
Further, we can track and follow our turtles community through sightings. Besides being fun to get to know the turtles by name and see where their journeys lead them, some data also highlights negative impacts such as pollution threats or Ghostnets that can injure or kill them. This data can lead to real change. Once we have the data can we can clearly identify and address issues with real solutions based on data.
How Can you Help / Support?
In conclusion, the best way to help is to Get Involved! Whether you are a scuba diver, snorkeller, beach walker, or just an all-around ocean lover! You can help. Protecting Sea Turtles begins with education so spread the word and get your friends, family, and local community involved.
Downloads
Want to download a poster to share with friends or on social media check these out!Turtle ID Poster 1 (English)
Turtle ID Poster 2 (English)
โปสเตอร์เต่า ID 1 (ไทย)
โปสเตอร์เต่า ID 2 (ไทย)
How Can I Help ID Sea Turtles?
Download and look at Post 2 above which give nice graphic instructions. In short, If you can take an image of the Left and right sides of the head an ID may be possible. You can also note the Location ( ie Dive Site/Area) seen and behavior. Ie eating a red sponge coral or swimming past such and such a bay.
If you want to know more, see example posts of turtle IDs or If you have ever photographed or gotten a video of a sea turtle in the Thai Gulf, please visit the Tao Talay Group You can also submit sighting information via this Turtle data capture form.
