The field camp I am stationed at in Mayumba National Park is called Nyafessa, which means 'Mermaid' in one of the local Gabonese languages, and it is magical in every sense of the word.  Nyafessa is one of the more primitive of the field camps in the park, as a permanent field camp is still under construction, so we are without running water or electricity, but it is still incredibly comfortable.  There is a nearby stream where we are able to gather drinking water and shower near where it empties into the ocean.  The shower area is known as 'The Stadium' and is by far my favorite spot on hot days - needless to say it is a very refreshing spot.  

Just a few degrees shy of the equator, it is indeed hot here at this time of year.  The rainy season has just begun, and rain it does some times - lightning, thunder, the works!  It is especially hot in the sun during the day, but the breeze is cool especially in the evenings during patrols.  In general, the Gabonese don't speak of the four seasons as we do, but simply refer to the wet and the dry season. I'm told that in the dry season (mostly spring and summer in the northern hemisphere), it actually gets quite cool here, such that sweaters are often necessary.  It seems a bit hard for me to believe on most days, however!  Still, in the rainy season the clouds produce some spectacular sunsets....>

This work is generously supported by:

Tagging of Pacific Predators Project

Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund

Achievement Rewards for College Scientists

National Science Foundation

Myers Oceanographic Trust

Friends of Long Marine Lab

Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles

CDELSI 

seaturtle.org 

Project Collaborators and Partners:

seaturtle.org

University of Exeter - Cornwall

Marine Turtle Research Group

Mayumba National Park

Wildlife Conservation Society

Parcs National Gabon

Partenariat Tortues Marines Gabon