SOUTH PADRE ISLAND — Sea Turtle, Inc. welcomed a new member to its leadership team this month.
Amy Bonka will oversee the conservation and rehabilitation of Sea Turtle, Inc.’s sea turtles and expand research as the nonprofit’s chief conservation officer.
“This new role of chief conservation officer is a natural fit for Amy as her accolades are astounding,” Sea Turtle, Inc. Executive Director Wendy Knight said.
Bonka grew up with a love of the marine environment and coastal ecosystems.
She pursued that passion as she obtained a Bachelor of Science in biology with a concentration in marine science.
Upon graduating, Bonka spent several nesting seasons working with Kemp’s ridley sea turtles in Rancho Nuevo, Mexico.
According to Bonka, she was inspired by her work to focus on Kemp’s ridley sea turtles during her graduate school studies.
She obtained a master’s and holds a doctorate degree in biology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Her research focused on the ecology, biology and conservation of the Kemp’s ridley sea turtle, which is the state sea turtle of Texas.
Bonka stated that she is especially interested in the dynamics of arribada nesting, which is the mass nesting events that occur in Kemp’s ridley and Olive ridley sea turtles, as well as hatchling biology.
“My favorite species of sea turtle is the Kemp’s ridley. After seeing hundreds of these turtles coming ashore to nest, I knew that I had to be a part of their conservation and research,” Bonka stated. “The unique behaviors of this species continue to capture my attention and I find them fascinating. They also have a unique disposition that I love.”
Bonka will be working closely with Knight, as well as the conservation and rehabilitation department heads, on conservation and research.
“Sea Turtle, Inc. has had a great presence in the sea turtle community for many years, and I am excited to be a part of this amazing team,” Bonka stated. “I look forward to growing our conservation and research presence throughout the community.”
