15 January 2010

The life of a turtle hatchling is really about survival of the fittest and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) is urging all local residents and holiday makers up and down the coast to be on the look-out and take care - especially around nesting beaches.

As there is no parental care by female turtles, from the time a hatchling pokes its nose out of its sandy nest the odds are against it.

GBRMPA's Ecosystem Conservation and Sustainable Use Manager Dr Mark Read said everyone could make a difference and help hatchlings have a greater chance of survival by being aware and following a few simple guidelines.

"A hatchling's run to the sea is a hazardous time where they must avoid predators, and humans and our pets can be as big a threat as any predator," he said.

"Just simply keep a look-out at nesting beaches and if hatchlings are spotted let them make their run to the water undisturbed. Make sure your dogs are on a leash and do not harass hatchlings trying to cross the beach.

"At this time of year many people are still enjoying school holidays and spending time near the water, the use of lights at and near nesting beaches can be particularly hazardous.

"Turtle hatchlings are attracted to artificial light and instead of heading to the ocean where they need to be, hatchlings can end up in campsites or even try to cross roads to get to the light source.

"If we are to succeed in increasing the populations of these threatened species they must get off to a good start. The hatchlings we protect today will be part of the population that mate and lay eggs in approximately 30 years time, so we have a responsibility to future generations to look after these iconic creatures."

Dr Read said six of the world's seven species of marine turtles could be found within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and a number of islands and coastal beaches are used as nesting beaches.

Turtle eggs incubate in their sandy nest anywhere between seven to 12 weeks and it is primarily the temperature of the surrounding sand that determines the sex of the offspring.

Male hatchlings generally result from cooler nests, while hotter nests tend to produce females. At in-between temperatures both sexes can occur.

If you are around marine turtle hatchlings please ensure you follow these best environmental practices for turtle watching:

• Stay well clear (at least 2 metres) of nests where hatchlings are emerging
• Keep dogs leashed and away from hatchlings
• Limit the use of light and never shine lights directly onto hatchlings as they may become confused by artificial light and not make it to the ocean
• Use low wattage torches (less than three-volt, two cell) with red cellophane or a filter over the bulb
• Do not shine torches out to sea when hatchlings are in the water – this may cause the hatchlings to return to shore
• Limit the use of flash-photography
• Allow hatchlings to dig themselves out of the nest and run to the sea without disturbance or assistance Do not touch or handle hatchlings
• Never interfere with natural events (for example, rescuing hatchlings from seabirds or predatory fish).

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