Abstract
The Marine Order for Research and Action Through Environmental Stewardship (MORAES) is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Miami, Florida founded with the intent to provide opportunities, spark action, and engage in scientific research that benefits the South Florida environment. Under marine turtle permit 153, MORAES leads daily nesting surveys on Virginia Key, Miami, Florida. They document, mark, report on, and excavate loggerhead turtle nests, collecting data for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC). The Virginia Key Sea Turtle Nesting project strives to incorporate interns and volunteers that have a passion for the marine environment and wish to be environmental stewards. Additionally, MORAES has created an experience for the public, in collaboration with Frost Science, to view a sea turtle nest excavation and learn more about the sea turtle nesting process. Through this program, called Nest Excavation for Sea Turtles (NEST), the public can learn more about the conservation of sea turtles and the efforts to protect them. But how can MORAES measure the success of their environmental stewardship program and better understand if their participants are becoming environmental stewards? To answer this question, MORAES drafted and distributed surveys to both the survey volunteers and NEST participants to assess their conservation awareness and attitudes towards sea turtle conservation. Qualtrics through the University of Miami was used for both surveys. Both surveys assessed the participant’s motivation behind volunteering and attending the NEST program, how they heard about MORAES, if any behaviors have changed from learning about sea turtle conservation, and the most important thing they’ve learned through their experience. The survey responses were collected and interpreted into a larger report to provide MORAES with important information about the efficacy and interpretation of their conservation goals. After interpretation, it has been concluded that volunteering in a sea turtle conservation program and attending an excavation program has positive influences on behavior change and resulted in increased knowledge about sea turtles, conservation efforts, and anthropogenic impacts on sea iii turtles. Many volunteers felt as though their efforts were worthwhile and felt a sense of pride knowing they are contributing to sea turtle conservation. The surveys can be used for future volunteers and NEST participants to further evaluate success.