How to help protect Mackay’s turtles this nesting season
IT is currently turtle nesting season in Mackay and with the ritual easily disturbed and only one in 1000 hatchlings predicted to reach maturity* here’s how we can help protect Mackay’s turtles this nesting season.
Every year, for several weeks from now until mid-January, female turtles will haul themselves up Mackay’s beaches to lay three clutches of roughly 50 eggs in the same area.
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During this nesting process, the turtles are particularly vulnerable as they leave the sea to make their way into the sand dunes and can be easily disturbed by light, noise and movement.
What to avoid during nesting season
Photo: Eco Barge CleanSeas | FacebookPhoto: Eco Barge CleanSeas | Facebook
Whitsunday Turtle Rescue Centre founding chair Libby Edge said during this time we should avoid driving or having fires on the beach and keep our distance.
“During nesting season, keep an eye out and keep your distance from nesting turtles.
“Normally turtles bask on the shoreline to heat up and store their energy before making their way up the beach so there should be no cars on beaches during nesting season.
“And if you’re going to have a fire on the beach, put it out because when turtles come out of the nest they head towards light.”
According to Mackay and District Turtle Watch Association, between 30 and 100 female Flatback turtles nest annually on Mackay’s beaches.
And last season, Mackay and District Turtle Watch Association recorded a total 1441 hatchlings emerged from 34 nests (eight of which were relocated from Lamberts Beach and 24 on North Harbour Beach) including the first Loggerhead Turtle nest in over 20 years in Mackay.
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What to do if you find a sick or injured turtle
With all the increased turtle activity at this time of year, Libby advises anyone who comes across a sick or injured turtle to call the marine stranding hotline on 1300 130 372.
“Turtle survival comes from increased awareness within the community.
“Our turtle phone receptionist can talk them through how to bring it in safely to the Centre.”
Launched in 2013 by Eco Barge Clean Seas, the Whitsunday Turtle Rescue Centre provides the care sick and injured turtles need.
With five quarantine tanks and a team of dedicated and trained volunteers who respond, prepare food, feed and clean the turtles, the centre has so far provided care for over 100 turtles and successfully rehabilitated approximately 75 per cent of the sick and injured turtles.
Libby said, this year 19 turtles have come into the care at the Centre.
“Lately, we have had quite a few successful releases.”
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What you can do to help
At Baileux, we are passionate about turtles and our native wildlife.
So much so, director Benjamin Molineux and his partner, Jenni Bailey often donate their time and petrol to transport sick or injured turtles to the Whitsunday Turtle Rescue Centre.
Ben said Jenni has a passion for the environment.
“She spends countless hours on things to make our planet a better place.”
Until December 16, Jenni is participating in the Groundwalk Challenge to raise funds for Bush Heritage Australia to help our native wildlife.
Jenni said she is participating this year because of climate change.
“Our precious native species and the habitats they live in are at risk due to climate change, habitat loss and feral predators.
“That’s why I’m giving the Groundwork Challenge everything I’ve got this summer!
“I’ve pledged to run, walk or roll 100kms every day for a month, to raise funds for Bush Heritage Australia.”
Help Jenni raise money to support the groundwork that protects our native species and the precious habitats that keep them here, with us by making a tax-deductible donation to Bush Heritage Australia here.
“Together, we can help restore the bush and protect our native species,” Jenni said.
To learn more, become a volunteer or partner or make a donation to the Whitsunday Turtle Rescue Centre, see here.
*Turtle stats source.
