Each year, the Upwell and NOAA Fisheries team conduct aerial and vessel-based surveys for leatherback sea turtles off the US West Coast. The data from these surveys can be put into action to protect the critically endangered West Pacific leatherback population. During August and September of 2024 the collaborative team documented their efforts in an engaging web series called Looking for Leatherbacks. All six episodes are available below!

Episode 1: Collaborating to Protect Turtles at Sea
An introduction to the West Pacific Leatherback population and the aerial and vessel-based surveys we conduct to monitor their population on the US West Coast.

Episode 2: Aerial Surveys Begin
In this video, you can see a tour of the specialized Twin Otter survey plane and hear about the wildlife our observers spotted!

Episode 3: A Turtle Sighting!
In this video, you can take a tour of the Sheila B. research vessel and see the team react to their first turtle sighting.

Episode 4: Q and A with the Team
As our aerial and vessel-based teams take a well-deserved break before they begin conducting surveys in California, this Q and A episode provides insight into what their work is like!

Episode 5: The One That Got Away!
The team began conducting surveys off the California Coast and spotted two leatherbacks! In this episode you can hear about the sightings and attempted capture before Upwell Wildlife Veterinarian Dr. Heather Harris shows some of the tools and techniques she uses to collect critical health data about these giant turtles.

Episode 6: Season Wrap Up
The Upwell and NOAA Fisheries team has wrapped up the 2024 survey season! In this episode, they reflect on the turtle and other species sighted over the past few months and why survey data is so important.

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management provides support for our leatherback monitoring in the Pacific Northwest and portions of California. We also receive funding from the Ocean Protection Council for leatherback monitoring in California. Upwell gratefully acknowledges additional support from private donors, including the Schwemm Family Foundation, who we rely on for this project and all of our sea turtle conservation work. Thank you!

Special thanks to San Jose State University, Moss Landing Marine Laboratories and Captain John Douglas for the use of the specialized leatherback Research Vessel Sheila B. Additional thanks to NOAA OMAO, NOAA-AOC and Aspen Helicopters, Inc. and all of their amazing pilots.