Australia’s Raine Island Recovery Project increasing nesting area, reducing nest inundations for world’s largest population of green sea turtles
“Over the course of the project nearly 40,000 cubic metres of sand has been moved – the equivalent of 16 Olympic-sized swimming pools – to double the amount of area that is high enough for turtles to nest in without their eggs becoming inundated by the tide and drowning,” said Ms Marsden.
“Raine Island is the largest nesting site for green sea turtles in the world, with up to 60,000 turtles each season, Sir David Attenborough described it as ‘one of the most spectacular ocean migrations on the planet.’ However, changes in the island’s landscape have caused tidal inundation of many nests – drowning newly laid eggs which cannot survive underwater,” she said.
Turtle News From Around the World
Conservation
Saipan: USA’s DLNR and NOAA conduct surveys in Saipan waters to assess populations of green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) and hawksbill sea turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata)
USA: 52 endangered Blanding’s turtles (Emydoidea blandingii) released in DuPage County, IL
Crime & Punishment
USA: Florida Fish and Wildlife (FWC) seeking public’s help solving spearing of green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) near Key Largo
Ecology
USA: Tortoise Group in NV rescuing unwanted desert tortoises (Gopherus agassizii), urging adoption instead of collection from wild (VIDEO)
Education
USA: learn more about CA’s western pond turtles (Actinemys marmorata)
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Photo from Queensland Parks and Wildlife Services Raine Island Recovery Project team.
