7 February 2007

This summer has been a bumper season for turtle nesting in the Mission Beach and Innisfail area.  

Mission Beach Local Marine Advisory Committee Acting Chair Dave Nissen said it is now the time of year when baby hatchlings make their way to the ocean for the first time.

“Turtle hatchlings emerge from the sand between now and May following nesting that occurred earlier in summer,” Mr Nissen said.

“In order to give these little ones the best chance of survival we are urging residents and visitors in the region to be extra careful when visiting beaches at night and keep their distance from turtle hatchlings.

“Seeing turtle hatchlings is an extraordinary sight but we need to remember that all turtle species found in the Great Barrier Reef are considered under some degree of threat and we need to give them the best start to life.”  

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Species Conservation Officer Sarah Salmon said turtle hatchlings emerge from their nests seven to 12 weeks after nesting.

“As a group, the hatchlings dig their way up through the sand to the surface. Then, generally in the early evening, the hatchlings emerge and scurry down to the sea. Many hatchlings do not survive the early stages of life,” Ms Salmon said.    

“There are a number of things you can do when around turtle hatchlings to give them the best start to life.”

• Stay well clear (at least two metres) of nests where hatchlings are emerging

• Watch where you step – you may accidentally crush hatchlings underfoot or cover them with sand

• Limit the use of light and never shine lights directly onto hatchlings - hatchlings may become confused by artificial light and may not make it to the ocean

• Use low wattage torches (less than three-volt, two-cell)

• Allow hatchlings to dig themselves out of the nest and run to the sea without disturbance or assistance

• Do not shine torches out to sea when hatchlings are in the water – this may cause the hatchlings to return to shore

• Do not touch or handle hatchlings

• Never interfere with natural events (for example, rescuing hatchlings from seabirds or predatory fish).

Ms Salmon said human interaction with nesting turtles and hatchlings is not the only danger to turtles. 

Boating and marine debris can create potential hazards for marine wildlife including turtles.