It’s Turtle Time
This photo shows the turtle tracks crossing the 4WD tracks – taken at Double Island last December. Keep an eye out for similar tracks and report them to TurtleCare. Photo source: TurtleCare FB group
We are right in the middle of turtle nesting season (November to March) so please keep an eye out for these precious visitors.
Cooloola Coastcare monitors local marine turtle activity in a project called TurtleCare. Volunteers monitor turtles nesting on the beaches north and south of Rainbow Beach and assist with rescuing stranded and injured turtles.
While you are walking on the beach in the early morning, you can look for turtle tracks or hatchlings and then report them to TurtleCare. Even sightings of dead turtles or egg shells are useful data for their research.
Green and Loggerhead turtles nest along the Cooloola Coast from Inskip Point to Double Island Point and along the 50km Teewah Beach.
The turtles will face many challenges this season:
- loss of seagrass (diet for the Green turtle)
- beach erosion
- increased 4WD traffic
- dune damage (their nesting site)
If you are lucky enough to come across the tracks please call the TurtleCare team and they ensure the nest is protected.
To report turtle track sightings call or text TurtleCare on 0493 511 207.
To report a sick, injured, or dead turtle call the Strandings Hotline 1300 103 373. Operates 24/7 – all year.
Do not touch or try to move the turtle. A pink “X” on the shell means it was reported already.
Find the TurtleCare group on Facebook: TurtleCare Rainbow and Teewah Beaches or go to www.cooloolacoastcare.org.au for more information on TurtleCare and also details of the other wonderful work by Cooloola Coastcare.
