“We know that when we protect our oceans we’re protecting our future.”- President Bill Clinton
It’s the final episode of 2021! For this conversation, we head to Trinidad and Tobago to chat with Dr Michelle Cazabon Mannette, a local expert on sea turtle biology and conservation in Trinidad and Tobago, with a PhD in Environmental Biology from the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine (2016). Her Ph.D. research on sea turtles offshore Tobago was the first study of its kind locally, where research and conservation efforts have previously focused on nesting beaches. She investigated issues critical for management and conservation through the application of diverse disciplines such as ecology, population genetics and environmental economics. Michelle began her professional career as a research officer at Turtle Village Trust from 2008-2010 where she coordinated research and monitoring at sea turtle nesting and foraging sites around Trinidad and Tobago and worked closely with several CBOs.
Michelle currently works at Coastal Dynamics Limited (an environmental consultancy) as a Project Manager where she has gained significant experience conducting Environmental Impact Assessments and ecological studies in a variety of habitats. She continues to be actively involved in sea turtle conservation through her voluntary role as Technical Advisor to Save Our Sea turtles (SOS) Tobago. While Michelle’s research has largely focused on sea turtles, she is driven by a broader interest in marine ecology and is passionate about closing the gap between research and management of our natural resources. She is also a founding member and Director of SpeSeas, a local NGO working towards improved management of our marine ecosystems through research, education and advocacy (established in 2017).
In this episode, Michelle and I have a lovely chat about Sea Turtle Conservation in Trinidad and Tobago. We take a deep dive into the types of species found on the islands, the threats they face, climate change, the opportunities for research and all the amazing work being done to protect these species. To learn more or connect with Michelle check out the links below.
Michelle Cazabon Mannette -Twitter
Speseas TT- Website, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook
SOS Tobago- Facebook