Learn a bit more about Utila’s natural history or get involved in the conservation, education, or scientific studies relating to the marine and terrestrial life of Utila! Here are some groups to get you started:
~ Bay Islands Conservation Association (BICA)
~ Iguana Research and Breeding Station
~ Kanahau Utila Research and Conservation Facility
~ Whale Shark and Oceanic Research Centre (WSORC)
~Additional Groups
Bay Islands Conservation Association (BICA)
Contacts:
Honduras Telephones: (504) 425 3260 or (504) 3341 3417
Email: bicautila@yahoo.com
Link to Website
The Bay Islands Conservation Association (BICA) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization founded in 1991 by the people living in the Bay Islands in order
to initiate and coordinate efforts in protecting the Islands’ fragile natural resources. Since its formation, BICA Utila has been instrumental in initiating many
conservation projects: management of the Turtle Harbour Wildlife Refuge and Marine Reserve; protection of sea turtles; protection of coral reefs through installation of buoys; first garbage collection on the island; beach cleaning; environmental education in local schools; developing codes of conduct for divers; monitoring whale sharks, etc.
In its long and eventful history, BICA Utila has worked with many local and international organizations on the protection of the island’s resources, particularly the reefs, and helped many visiting students and researchers with their work. But, BICA’s main job is, and has always been, to work with the local community to protect their small piece of paradise so that future generations will be able to enjoy it and make a living from its resources.
BICA Volunteer and Intern Opportunities Available! (Research Assistants and Environmental Education)
Iguana Research and Breeding Station
Contacts:
Jimena Castillo, Director
Honduras Telephone: (504) 425 3946
Email: station@utila-iguana.de
Link to Website
The Iguana Research and Breeding Station (IRBS), a short walk away from Utila Town’s main road, plays a crucial role in the conservation of the endemic island’s iguana species Ctenosaura bakeri, called ‘Swamper’ or Wishiwilli’.
The IRBS efforts are focused upon understanding the natural history of the Swamper with different scientific research. A breeding program supports the population in the mangroves; more than 2,000 hatchlings were already bred and released. The IRBS also have an environmental education program in the schools of Utila and support sustainable development and tourism.
Much of the work in Utila is undertaken by volunteers from all over the world who have joined the Volunteers Program. Visitors to the station are given a full tour explaining the habits of this endangered species, as well as getting an overview of general Utilian wildlife. You will have opportunity to see the Swamper in different ages as well as the Highlander Iguana and the Green Iguana.
In 2007, the IRBS started a systemic and planned change seeking autonomy. Many strategies were adopted and the results have allowed the IRBS to become a project of a Non Governmental Organization legally recognized by the Honduran Government as the Fundación Islas de la Bahía (FIB), a private non-profit organization, with no political ties and which is regulated by Honduran law. The most important function of the FIB is a national effort to achieve sustainable development.
Kanahau Research and Conservation Facility
Contact: Steven Clayson
Link to Website
Email: steve@kanahau.com
Phone: +(504) 9874 3344 / +(504) 9565 4021
Kanahau URCF is a newly established group / research facility. Kanahau is a small but dedicated research facility with four full-time members of staff. We are conducting several studies with Utila’s endemic and endangered iguana Ctenosaura bakeri. Our cataloging of bat species on the Bay Islands continues, including trips to the neighboring islands of Roatan and Guanaja. We have some new projects with the islands endemic anoles Norops bicaorum and Norops utilensis.
Whale Shark and Oceanic Research Centre (WSORC)
Contacts:
Honduras Telephone: (504) 425 3760
Emails: info@wsorc.com
Web: https://www.wsorc.com
The Whale Shark & Oceanic Research Center (WSORC) operates one of the few, year-round whale shark monitoring and research centers in the world.
Our devoted staff of scientists and volunteers works tirelessly at maintaining and restoring the aquatic environment of Honduras, while continuing the standards of ethical research which have made WSORC the authority on Utila’s whale shark population and coral reef ecosystem for the past 10 years.
At the same time, WSORC is sworn to preserve Utila’s aquatic natural resources through education by increasing the public’s awareness of a marine ecosystem that is one of Central America’s natural wonders. Our mission is to facilitate the scientific community’s research within Honduran waters while educating the eco-tourist and locals alike.
Additional Groups
EcoOceans / Utila Whale Shark Reseach Project