Patrol Q&A

 

What does "patrolling" mean?

 

Patrols, or "surveys", consist of any time you can spend out on the beaches, looking for sea turtles or activity. The main idea is to get out there.  Anytime you have the time.  By car or on foot.  If you go by car, drive very slowly along the dunes and/or the water line.  There is no minimum amount of time, nor a maximum!  All we ask is that you complete a brief form for us when you go, so we can keep track of the hours spent patrolling, and the findings and other weather data, etc. 

 

 

When are patrols needed?

 

Surveys or patrols can be done any time.  The nesting season is when you are more likely to see a sea turtle on the beach, but the incidence is still rare, only 42 on the entire coast last year.  We are hoping this will increase. But we need eyes out there!  Although the nesting season is not definitely defined, around here it goes approximately from April through July.  In the non-nesting season, we still need patrols, because we are looking for turtles harmed by boats or commercial fishing, or during the winter, "cold-stunned" turtles can show up on the beach trying to escape the frigid waters.  They are cold-blooded and prefer warmer waters.  The bottom line is, we need people watching all the time. 

  

What should we look for?

 

We are (mostly) looking for sea turtles, especially KempÌs ridley turtles.  These turtles nest during the day.  There are rare night nestings by the ÏloggerheadÓ species, in our area, however.  We should report all sightings, nests, tracks, etc, regardless of species.  Also, regardless if they are dead or alive.  Biologists need to know about any sighting since it is an endangered species and they are resonsible to protecting them. Our patrol packets contain photos and tips about what to look for. Patrol Photos.

 

You may find stranded, injured or dead sea mammals, shore birds, or other wildlife on the beaches also. We are fortunate to have a great network of animal rehabilitators for almost every species all along the coast.  Click here for reporting procedures for wildlife other than sea turtles. 

 

Where should we look?

 

Texas has over 600 miles of coastline, and it is all potential turtle territory!  The main nesting grounds for the Kemp's ridley sea turtle is in Mexico, however, the number of nestings northward along our coast has been increasing.  Whether that is due to global warming or some other change in behavior, we need to be ready to protect these precious animals.  Do not be fooled by potential barriers either, in 2004, a sea turtle nested on Galveston Island right in front of the Seawall!  They are resourceful.  Sea turtles have been caught by fishermen and washed ashore injured as far away as Mississippi!

 

Where ever you search, just let us know by either GPS (if you are so lucky) or by miles from a landmark (ie 10 miles west of the San Luis Pass; 2 miles from Point San Luis Water tower, etc.)  We would like to keep track of patrols for our information.  The forms have a place to note your location.

 

What do we do if we find something? 

 

First of all, make sure it is not in harmÌs way.  Then call 1-866-Turtle-5 to report the sighting.   Since these species are endangered, you must have a license to handle them, unless you are keeping them from being hurt.  Place them out of harms way, or block traffic on the beach, and let the turtle do its thing.  It may walk around; it may hang out; it may lay eggs; or it may go right back into the water.  Just call in the report, and observe the turtle, taking notes for our data collection.  Use something on the beach to mark the area where it has nested, or where the tracks start and stop, or where ever the activity took place.  If you can stay during the activity, to protect the turtles, that is best.  If not, be specific about where the turtles are when reporting!

 

What else can we do?

Ô   Wear your T-shirts!  Part of our mission is raising awareness.  Also, it identifies you as a person who is doing something important, who has a purpose on the beach.  And it reassures people you are not there to harm them or their children (or property)!  We may even attract new patrol volunteers that way.

Ô   Hand out literature.  If there are people who approach you, or who look very curious, talk to them.  You donÌt have to give a long speech or try to sign them up for anything, just tell them who you are with and what you are doing.  Hand them a ÏBeachgoersÓ Handout and ask them to call in anything they may see.  This will help make sure the word gets out. But donÌt feel like you have to spend all day making sure every person on the beach gets a handout.  Many of they may not want one, and we donÌt want them to end up as litter on the beach.

Ô   Have fun.  There is nothing nicer than a stroll or drive along the beach, on a beautiful day.  I did not know until I began patrolling, how much undeveloped shore area there still is along the west end of Galveston Island to Surfside.  Its nice to see miles of beach with no development.  Enjoy the peacefulness, and feel good about what you are doing to help one of earthÌs most troubled inhabitants.

 

If you have any questions, or need more forms or have ideas for more forms or activities, please let us know.  We are growing, and learning at the same time, so any input is appreciated and acted upon.  Tell your friends and colleagues about us.  Ask your bosses to make a donation or pledge some sponsorship or support in another way.  We all know people who can make a difference, so÷spread the word!

 

Sincerest thanks, and best of luck for successful patrolling!

 

June Rodriguez, Volunteer Coordinator

Carole Allen, Gulf Office Director

Patrol Volunteers

 

December 2005