Sea turtle hatchlings are coming!
31 January 2020
Free information session on how you can help keep our beaches safe for sea turtles
Sea turtle hatchlings are beginning to emerge from their nests across the Tweed and a free information session for the community will help ensure as many hatchlings make it to the ocean as possible.
After a great community response to the turtle information session held in December 2019, staff from the NSW TurtleWatch Program are returning to update the community about the current sea turtle nesting season.
Sea turtle hatchlings begin to emerge on local beaches anytime in January and continue through until May. Project Officer from NSW TurtleWatch Holly West said hatchlings can be affected by light pollution, marine debris, predators and coastal erosion.
“Locals can help by keeping our beaches clear of marine debris that can easily entangle hatchlings or that they may later eat when they enter the ocean,” Ms West said.
“It is estimated that only 1 out of 1,000 hatchlings survive to reach maturity so every hatchling we can assist into the ocean can help to make a difference,” she said.
Historically, the Tweed has had the highest number and density of sea turtle nests for the NSW coastline. There have previously been successful nests found on Dreamtime, Kingscliff, Casuarina and Pottsville beaches and this year a loggerhead turtle nested on the Tweed Coast over the Australia Day weekend.
“It was below the high-tide line so thanks to quick actions from Australian Seabird Rescue staff and locals the nest could be relocated higher on the beach before being inundated by the water.
“All actions were taken under the guidance and permission of NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service staff,” Ms West said.
Sea turtles have been around for over 100 million years and all species of sea turtle are considered threatened.
One of the big questions is, what happens to the nests after they have been laid and what can the public do to help? The community is invited to come along to an information session to find out what they can do. General Manager of Australian Seabird Rescue Olly Pitt will be there on the day to share some of the centre’s successful sea turtle rehabilitation stories.
When: Saturday 15 February, 10am – 12pm (NSW time).
Where: Kingscliff Community Hall, 81 Marine Parade, Kingscliff.
There’s no need to register, just come along – there’s plenty of space for everyone.
The NSW TurtleWatch program has been developed by Australian Seabird Rescue and is in partnership with the NSW Government’s Saving Our Species program. To find out more about the program visit www.environment.nsw.gov.au/sos
For more information about the NSW TurtleWatch program, email turtlewatchnsw@gmail.com, visit seabirdrescue.org.au or www.facebook.com/NSWTurtleWatch/. If you see a hatchling please call Australian Seabird Rescue immediately on (02) 6686 2852.
Downloads
Photo 1(JPG, 215KB)
Caption: A loggerhead turtle nested on the Tweed Coast over the Australia Day weekend.
Photo 2(JPG, 170KB)
Caption: The turtle’s nest was below the high-tide line, so the nest was relocated higher on the beach before it was inundated by the water.