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Volunteers needed to protect turtles

volunteers for turtles
A local group of Woongarra Coast Turtle Volunteers are seeking assistance from local residents.

With the 2022-2023 turtle nesting season fast approaching the Woongarra Coast Turtle Volunteers group is seeking assistance from residents.

The group is putting the call out for volunteers who would like to participate in turtle conservation research.

Member Nikki Somerfield said the group was run under the direction of Dr Col Limpus’ Marine Turtle Research Conservation Program.

She said volunteers began patrols in early November until mid-February along Bargara, Innes Park and Elliot Heads beaches gathering data from the loggerhead, green and flatback turtles that nest on the beaches.

“The research is vital as the data collected assists in protecting the endangered turtles to ensure that these beautiful creatures will still be nesting on our beaches for generations to come,” Nikki said.

“Partnerships are also formed with Bundaberg Regional Council, Burnett Mary Regional Group, Sea Turtle Alliance and Landcare groups to help educate members of the public and assist in protecting the dunes from erosion and light pollution so that the nesting turtles have safe and suitable areas to nest and hatchlings can safely make their way to the ocean.”

volunteers for turtles
Volunteer Cintia Maxey-Fisher with some turtle eggs.

Locals interested in volunteering in Bargara, Innes Park or Elliot Head beaches will need to follow these conditions:

  • Spend one night a week for the duration of the season on the beach in all kinds of weather. Rosters are provided each fortnight.
  • Need to be physically able to walk along the beaches in the moonlight looking for turtles
  • Like working as part of a team and enjoy other people’s company
  • Be willing to communicate with your team and members of the public to educate them about turtle conservation
  • Be willing to learn new skills, such as measuring turtles, reading ID tags and counting eggs and filling in data sheets
  • Be able to transport yourself to and from a local beach
  • Be 18 years of age and have photo ID

All new volunteers will be partnered up with an experienced volunteer for the season and training sessions will be run prior to the season commencing.

To find out more chat to the Woongarra Coast Turtle Volunteers at the Welcome to Bargara event being held on the 15 October at Bargara State School from 10 am to 3 pm.

Alternatively, you can contact volunteers directly via email turtle.vols@gmail.com.

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2 COMMENTS

2 COMMENTS

  1. I’m interested in volunteering with the turtle watch,I live in Innes Park and would welcome the chance to help

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