Coronavirus: Labs Go Dark

Conservation Impact

Marine biologists like Christine Figgener are grappling with the pandemic's impact on their conservation efforts. Normally stationed in Costa Rica, Christine is now stranded in Texas, unable to monitor endangered Atlantic leatherback sea turtles during their breeding season 1. This disruption has left turtle eggs vulnerable to poachers, who exploit the absence of researchers on the beaches 2.

The chances are that poachers will dig them up and either sell them or use them for their own consumption. And now for them, yeah, it's probably almost like a free show when they can just go out and nobody is there that actually prevents what they're doing.

--- Christine Figgener

Christine's team usually relocates the eggs to safer areas, ensuring the hatchlings can safely reach the ocean. However, with travel restrictions in place, these crucial conservation activities are halted.

   

Poaching Surge

The reduction in conservation efforts has led to a surge in poaching activities. Christine Figgener notes that poachers are taking advantage of the situation, as beaches are closed and researchers are unable to intervene 2. This increase in poaching poses a significant threat to the already endangered sea turtle populations.

A lot of the conservation efforts that are going on usually are not happening right now. And unfortunately, a lot of species absolutely depend on those, you know, conservationists or not, we're all stuck at home right now.

--- Christine Figgener

The absence of conservationists on the ground means that many species, not just sea turtles, are at greater risk during the pandemic.