Cameron Bell
MSc. Student
Contact Information
Department of Biology
Concordia University (Loyola Campus)
7141 Sherbrooke St. W. H4B 1R6
Montreal, QC, Canada
Office: SP 434
Lab: SP434
(514) 848-2424 (ext. 4021)
cameron.glenn.bell@gmail.com
Education
2025 – Present: MSc in Biology, Concordia University, Montreal, Canada
2017-2023: BSc in Biology (Specialization in Ecology), Concordia University, Quebec, Canada
My Project
Factors affecting the nesting success of sea turtles in southern Cameroon
Background
The Manyange na Elombo – Campo Marine National Park was established in 2021 as one of the first marine protected areas in Cameroon. The park is situated in one of the most important sea turtle rookeries on the planet. The region is home to four species of sea turtle at various life stages. Notably, both leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) and olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) sea turtles nest on the beaches around Ebodjé. These populations are facing increasing pressure from environmental factors as a result of climate change as well as human presence. Despite the establishment of a marine park in the area, significant conservation efforts are still required to ensure the protection of these species. As sea turtles exhibit high fidelity to their nesting sites, meaning they will almost always return to the same beach where they hatched, understanding how biotic and abiotic factors alter their reproductive success is critical to the conservation of the species.
Field Work
The study will take place during the 2025-2026 nesting season at beaches near Ebodjé on the southern coast of Cameroon. Beach surveys will take place in collaboration with a local conservation group — Tube Awu — that has been active in the region since 2015. By recording data about the turtles, the nests, and their environment, we will be able to determine which factors impact the hatching and emergence success of the population, and in turn inform management decisions for these species.
Objectives
The main goals of this project are to:
- Investigate the effect of biotic and abiotic factors on hatching/emergence success
- Characterize nesting conditions of sea turtles
- Collect data on nesting female turtles in the region