Nesting turtles due to revisit Strand this month

Townsville residents and visitors have been reminded to be on the lookout for female turtles which might come ashore to nest along the Strand and other beachside suburbs during the next few months.

Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation, Andrew McNamara, said female turtles usually come ashore on a high tide, at dusk or at night.

“They cross the beach and excavate a nest above the high tide mark,” Mr McNamara said.

“Turtles nest along our coast from November to January, and return every two to 5 years to the same sites to lay their eggs.

“Some of the turtles coming ashore to nest this season could be well over 50 years old.

“Residents can help protect nesting turtles by not interfering with them, giving them plenty of space, not shining lights or using flash photography and avoiding excessive noise around nesting turtles.”

Mr McNamara said people should never shine lights directly at a nesting turtle and should stay at least 50m back.

“It is very important that people keep their distance and that all dogs are kept on a leash,” Mr McNamara said.

“Queensland’s marine turtles face many threats including pollution, boat strike, and predation of eggs and hatchlings by feral animals.

“The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is a critical breeding ground for a number of marine turtle species.

“The waters around Townsville are home to six of the seven species of marine turtle, all of which are threatened species globally.

“All marine turtles in Queensland are protected by law, and I urge people not to interfere with turtles in any way.”

Residents are encouraged to let Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service know about turtle nesting activity by calling the EPA hotline on 1300 130 372.

Media contact – Peter McCarthy 3336 8004