Sea Turtle Research in Costa Rica

Hi! My name is Jasmyn Bink and I’m a third-year Bachelor of Science student at Monash University. I study Zoology and Microbiology and hope to pursue a career in research biology. I’m extremely passionate about wildlife conservation, restoration, research, and education, and am incredibly excited to be following my dreams and passions having been accepted to attend this research expedition.

Why donate?

In January 2024, my partner Andrew and I will be travelling to Costa Rica to learn about and research 3 species of sea turtles, including the Green sea turtle, the Olive ridley sea turtle, and the Leatherback sea turtle (the largest living sea turtle species!). Some of the main points we will be focusing on in this expedition will be:

• Sea turtle nesting, hatching rate & success.

• Data collection and measurements of healthy baby and adult turtles.

• Migratory periods of each turtle species.

• Collection of data on Arribada events.

• Mangrove and rainforest ecology.

• Best practice field research investigation.

• The importance of reforestation!

Ever since I was little my dream has been to work with animals in conservation. This experience is absolutely a dream come true and an opportunity we couldn’t pass up!

This is an opportunity to be able to contribute to real-world change and research that will continue to provide a better understanding of how to strengthen the populations of these incredible animals.

Professionally, this expedition will be an amazing asset to my future career. The hands-on field research, and data collection and analysis that we will be conducting will be fundamental skills that will stay with me throughout my career. This is also an amazing opportunity to create connections with peers from many different countries and be taught by expert scientists in one of the most biodiverse places on Earth.

This research trip will also be an opportunity for us to immerse ourselves in the culture of Costa Rica. This is something I hold very close to me, as I believe it is one of the best ways to gain new perspectives through collective human experience. It provides us with the tools to communicate, influence, and form deeper connections with everyone we meet.

What will the funds be used for?

The donations we receive will go towards covering the costs included in this trip. The expedition will cost us roughly $2500AUD each and includes transport within Costa Rica, housing, research permits, and meals for our stay. Flights from Melbourne to Costa Rica will also cost between $2700-$3000AUD each. All donations will be greatly appreciated.

I will share our journey and research on my Instagram @jasmynrbink if you wish to follow along and see what your generous donations have contributed to!