Help Save Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtles in Tamaulipas, Mexico
SeaBees is a sea turtle conservation and rescue project of the American Honey Bee Protection Agency. Alongside the people already protecting nesting beaches on Mexico's Gulf Coast, we are working to protect the Kemp's ridley sea turtle, one of the most endangered sea turtles in the world, and to build the rescue capacity it urgently needs.
SeaBees: A Sea Turtle Conservation Project of AHBPA
SeaBees is a binational conservation initiative working in Texas and in Tamaulipas, Mexico. It was founded by AHBPA co-founder Walter Schumacher together with Skippy, whose years of sea turtle conservation work connect the project to the Tamaulipas coast, and Tony Estrada, who brings experience in business and organizational development.
The American Honey Bee Protection Agency, a Texas 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is the fiscal sponsor of SeaBees. AHBPA receives and manages donations made to support the project, and the SeaBees team leads the conservation work on the ground. Gifts made through AHBPA are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
EIN: 46-3744257
Why the Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle Needs Our Help
The Kemp's ridley is one of the smallest and most endangered sea turtles in the world, and nearly the entire species depends on a single stretch of coastline. More than 95% of Kemp's ridley nesting takes place on the beaches of Tamaulipas, Mexico.
For decades, local conservation teams have protected nests and helped hatchlings reach the Gulf, and their efforts have made a real difference. Yet injured, sick and stranded sea turtles still need more rescue and rehabilitation capacity close to where they are found. SeaBees was created to help close that gap.
Building a Sea Turtle Hospital in Tampico, Mexico
The central goal of SeaBees is to establish a sea turtle hospital in Tampico, Tamaulipas. The project is currently in its development and fundraising stage. The hospital is not open yet and is not accepting animals at this time.
Once established, the hospital is planned to provide:
- Rescue and emergency care for injured, sick and stranded sea turtles
- Veterinary treatment and sea turtle rehabilitation
- Release of recovered turtles back to the Gulf of Mexico
- Education for local communities, students and visitors
Where the Project Stands
Planning and partnerships
In progressFundraising
Launching soonPreparing and equipping the hospital
Opening and first sea turtle rescues
Donate to Save Sea Turtles
Every sea turtle donation brings the hospital one step closer to opening. Your gift through AHBPA helps SeaBees:
- Prepare and equip spaces for sea turtle treatment and rehabilitation
- Respond to injured and stranded turtles along the Tamaulipas coast
- Support the conservation teams already protecting nesting beaches
- Expand education that helps local communities save sea turtles
Donations made through AHBPA, the fiscal sponsor of SeaBees, are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Donate to Support SeaBees Support SeaBees on GoFundMeA Kickstarter campaign is coming soon.
From the Hive to the Shoreline
For years, AHBPA has worked to protect honey bees and the people who care for them. SeaBees carries that same mission all the way to the sea. Honey from beekeepers in Tamaulipas reaches people who value where it comes from, and the support it creates helps fund sea turtle conservation along the same coast.
The Hive
Bees and beekeepers produce honey
The Honey
Honey reaches people who choose products with purpose
The Support
Purchases and donations create support for the mission
The Shoreline
That support helps protect sea turtles
The bee never meets the turtle. But the purpose does.
More Ways to Help Save the Sea Turtles
Back the Launch
Support the SeaBees GoFundMe campaign and help fund the sea turtle hospital. A Kickstarter campaign is coming soon.
Support on GoFundMeVolunteer or Partner
Veterinarians, scientists, educators, businesses and volunteers can all help move the project forward.
Get InvolvedChoose SeaBees Honey
Honey from Tamaulipas beekeepers, with every purchase helping support sea turtle conservation.
Discover the HoneyShare the Story
Tell a friend, a classroom or your company about SeaBees by AHBPA. One conversation can open the next door.
Every Sea Turtle Deserves a Second Chance
Help SeaBees by AHBPA build sea turtle rescue capacity on the Tamaulipas coast. Your gift is tax-deductible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SeaBees?
SeaBees is a sea turtle conservation project of the American Honey Bee Protection Agency. It works in Texas and in Tamaulipas, Mexico, to protect the Kemp's ridley sea turtle and to establish a sea turtle hospital in Tampico.
How is SeaBees related to AHBPA, and who receives my donation?
AHBPA, a Texas 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is the fiscal sponsor of SeaBees. AHBPA receives and manages donations made to support the project, while the SeaBees team leads the conservation work. AHBPA co-founder Walter Schumacher is also one of the SeaBees founders.
Is the sea turtle hospital already open?
Not yet. The hospital is currently in its development and fundraising stage and is not accepting animals. If you find an injured or stranded sea turtle, please contact your local wildlife authorities right away.
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes. Donations made through AHBPA as the fiscal sponsor are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Donations made directly to SeaBees on sea-bees.org are not currently tax-deductible.
Why focus on the Kemp's ridley sea turtle?
The Kemp's ridley is one of the most endangered sea turtles in the world, and more than 95% of its nesting happens on the beaches of Tamaulipas. Protecting this coast is critical for the survival of the species.
How can bees help save sea turtles?
Bees and sea turtles never meet. Honey produced by beekeepers creates value, and SeaBees directs that value, together with donations and partnerships, toward sea turtle rescue, rehabilitation and education.
How else can I help?
You can support the SeaBees GoFundMe campaign, back the upcoming Kickstarter, volunteer, become a partner, choose SeaBees honey, or share the SeaBees story with others.
Still Have Questions?
We're here to help. If you couldn't find the answer you were looking for, reach out and we'll be happy to help.
Contact UsSea Turtle Conservation in Mexico: Supporting SeaBees by AHBPA
Sea turtle conservation depends on people who are willing to act long before a turtle reaches the water. SeaBees by AHBPA was created to bring more of those people together. As a sea turtle conservation project of the American Honey Bee Protection Agency, SeaBees connects the work of beekeepers and conservationists to protect one of the most endangered sea turtles on Earth.
The Kemp's ridley sea turtle is endangered, and nearly all of its nesting takes place on the beaches of Tamaulipas, Mexico. Local sea turtle conservation efforts have protected nests and hatchlings for decades, but the region still needs more capacity for sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation. That is why SeaBees is working to establish a sea turtle hospital in Tampico, a future sea turtle rehabilitation center where injured and stranded turtles can receive care before returning to the Gulf.
If you have been looking for a sea turtle charity or a way to save the sea turtles, SeaBees offers a clear path. A tax-deductible donation through AHBPA supports the project directly, and the SeaBees GoFundMe campaign and the upcoming Kickstarter offer even more ways to take part. Veterinarians, scientists, educators, businesses and volunteers can also join the growing circle of people working on sea turtle protection.
The idea behind SeaBees is simple: bees and sea turtles may never meet, but the people who protect them can work together. The same commitment that drives AHBPA's work for honey bees now reaches all the way to the shoreline, helping give the Kemp's ridley a better chance at survival.
