Thousands of baby turtles hatching out on FNQ beaches
Reef wildlife
One of Far North Queensland’s great wildlife spectacles is currently taking place, with thousands of baby turtles hatching on beaches across the region and rushing to the sea in the hope of survival.
Six of the world’s seven marine turtle species are found on the Great Barrier Reef, with green, hawksbill, loggerhead and flatback turtle hatchlings now emerging from nests during the annual season.
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority turtle expert Paul Groves said the region was one of the most important marine-turtle habitats on the planet.
“It’s one of the most magical moments on the Reef,’’ he said.
“It’s a fantastic sight to witness baby turtles breaking free of the nest and heading for the ocean.”
Hatching turtles are highly vulnerable in their first moments of life, with artificial lighting, obstacles on beaches, predators and human disturbances posing deadly risks.
The Reef Authority is urging people to: Keep lights off or shielded near beaches at night; Avoid flash photography and torch use around nesting or hatching turtles; Do not touch turtles, eggs or hatchlings; Keep dogs leashed and vehicles off beaches, and; Give turtles space and observe quietly from a distance.
Every marine-turtle species found on the Reef is listed as either vulnerable or endangered.