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TRACKING SEA TURTLES IN THE BAHAMAS
WHY SEA TURTLES?
Sea turtles thrived for 100 million years, but some species now hover on the brink of extinction.
WHY EARTHWATCH?
Over the last five years, Earthwatch volunteers have helped to tag over 500 juvenile green and Hawksbill turtles that are now being tracked in order to protect the habitat they need to survive. With Malibu’s help, we’re expanding our efforts to new research locations, which means more turtles, more habitats, more data, and more progress to fully understanding and saving these threatened species from extinction.
IMPACT FACTOR
Since its founding in 1971, Earthwatch has teamed up volunteers with scientists on 21 sea turtle studies in 13 countries, helping to conserve all 7 species. In fact, Earthwatch is credited with bringing the Eastern Pacific green turtle, also called the black turtle, back from the edge of extinction.
HELP TURN THE TIDE FOR OUR OCEANS
SHARK AND RAY CONSERVATION IN BELIZE
WHY SHARKS?
Many shark populations around the world are collapsing, which jeopardizes entire marine ecosystems due to the influence of sharks as a top predator on other species.
WHY EARTHWATCH?
Earthwatch volunteers have helped to capture over seven years’ worth of important underwater monitoring data that inspired the creation of a new marine protected area in Belize. Now, Dr. Chapman is expanding his research to determine the movement patterns of sharks from reef to reef and possibly in and out of these protected areas. Malibu’s generous sponsorship will help Earthwatch research teams tag sharks at three different sites with acoustic transmitters that will record their movements as they grow from juveniles to adults.
IMPACT FACTOR
Last year, Dr. Chapman discovered a new species of shark, and this year, his research led to the creation of the first-ever national stingray sanctuary in Belize after determining that stingray populations were far more threatened than previously thought. Dr. Chapman’s research has changed minds and laws in Belize surrounding shark hunting, fisheries, and the need to conserve critical reef habitats.
WE NEED YOUR HELP!
The fight is far from over, and the threats facing marine ecosystems are growing more complicated. Earthwatch is dedicated to identifying the best ways to protect sharks, sea turtles, and other marine species to ensure a sustainable future for our oceans and our planet. This year, Earthwatch will support nine long-term studies to protect the health of marine species around the world, from Alaska to Costa Rica to Australia. These efforts require sustained funding to ensure we collect enough data to make responsible and effective management policies. Please consider adding to Malibu Rum’s sponsorship by making a tax-deductible gift of your own to Earthwatch today.
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MALIBU RUM RENEWS THEIR $100,000 SPONSORSHIP OF EARTHWATCH RESEARCH!
This year, Malibu will help to fund two important research expeditions—Dr. Demian Chapman’s Shark and Ray Conservation in Belize and Annabelle Brooks’ Tracking Sea Turtles in the Bahamas—while also giving a financial boost to Earthwatch’s remaining conservation efforts around the world.