Published on Wednesday, 17 January 2018 at 12:00:00 AM
It is turtle nesting and hatching season and we remind everyone to consider their use of the beaches during this time as you can have a detrimental impact to the wellbeing of this species.
Marine turtle populations have declined in many places across the globe and Flatback turtles are the only marine turtle species that nest exclusively in Australia. They are listed as vulnerable and WA’s Pilbara and Kimberley beaches support significant nesting grounds for flatbacks.
Please follow the guidelines and minimise disruption to the beaches and turtles so the nesting cycle can continue without negative human impact.
- Avoid driving your vehicle/motorbike on turtle nesting beaches, as this can compact the sand near nests and create obstructions to emerging hatchlings.
- Avoid using campfires or any artificial lights on nesting beaches, as this can disorient and disturb nesting turtles and hatchlings.
- Use reusable bags instead of plastic bags—turtles mistake plastic bags for jellyfish and eat them, eventually starving to death.
- Throw all your rubbish into the bin—turtles can get caught up in discarded fishing lines, ropes and other debris at sea and on the beach.
- Do not buy or sell sea turtle products—this creates a demand for products that require hunting and killing turtles.
- Drive your boat slowly to avoid injuring turtles in the water.
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