Raven Hoflund and The Turtle Project

Raven Hoflund is the director of The Turtle Project in Mustique, a volunteer organisation dedicated to protecting sea turtles, collecting data, and raising awareness. The project has a longstanding affiliation with the Wider Caribbean Sea Turtle Conservation Network (WIDECAST). We were delighted to catch up with her to learn about her journey in sea turtle conservation and the life cycle of these incredible animals.

Leatherback sea turtle preparing to lay her eggs. Photographed on Mustique by Raven Hoflund

Discovering a Love of the Ocean

PH: When did you discover your love of the ocean?

RH: I think I’ve always loved the ocean. Having spent almost my entire life surrounded by it, it’s impossible to keep me out of the water.

Getting Involved in Conservation

PH: How did you get involved in conservation?

RH: As a child, my family and I hiked to a bay where nurse sharks came to mate. I got in the water beside them—it was a memorable experience and love at first tail flick! Years later, the sharks had disappeared, probably hunted. When I saw my first nesting turtle and hatchlings, I knew I didn’t want the same to happen to them.

I trained with WIDECAST, and The Turtle Project Mustique was born. I have been part of this sea turtle network ever since.

Leatherback hatchlings heading to the sea. Photographed on Mustique by Raven Hoflund

The Life Cycle of a Sea Turtle

PH: Can you tell us about the life cycle of a turtle?

RH: Six of the seven species of sea turtle are found in the Caribbean. Mustique’s beaches host nesting sites for two: the leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), the largest and only species without a hard shell, and the hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), critically endangered due to its beautiful shell. Juvenile green turtles forage offshore but do not nest here.

Once hatchlings leave their natal beach, they spend several years in the open ocean—this period is often called “the lost years.” Young juveniles return to coastal waters to forage, except leatherbacks, which may remain thousands of miles offshore. All species return to or near their nesting beach to lay eggs.

All six species are endangered, facing threats at all life stages from predation, illegal egg harvest, entanglement, beach erosion, coastal development, and climate change.

Pasture Bay, Mustique. Photographed by Raven Hoflund

Preserving Turtle Habitat

PH: Are you able to preserve their habitat year to year on Mustique?

RH: In 2017, a total hunting ban on all sea turtles was declared in St Vincent and the Grenadines to protect populations. Migratory species require protection across all foraging grounds and nesting beaches. Continuous efforts from sea turtle organisations and government agencies throughout the region are crucial.

Hawksbill turtle hatchling. Photographed by Raven Hoflund

About WIDECAST

PH: WIDECAST sounds like an interesting organisation. Can you tell us more?

RH: WIDECAST is a network of sea turtle specialists from over 40 countries in the Wider Caribbean. It shares science, education, and training to protect and recover sea turtle populations. Conservation must come from within, ensuring sea turtles and humans can coexist harmoniously.

Learn more and find volunteer opportunities at WIDECAST.org.

Leatherback hatchling in the surf on Mustique. Photographed by Raven Hoflund

We are very grateful to Raven for her time, insightful responses, and her fabulous photographs!