Critically endangered loggerhead turtles have begun emerging from their beach nests, setting off a 30-year countdown before some return to their Sunshine Coast nurseries.
Sunshine Coast Environment and Liveability Portfolio Councillor Tim Burns said volunteers had been monitoring more than 120 nests up and down the coast as the hatchlings emerged and made the dash to water.
“So far there have been 121 nests laid across Buddina, Warana, Bokarina, Wurtulla, Currimundi, Dicky Beach, Shelly Beach, and North Bribie Island,” Cr Burns said.
“Our dedicated TurtleCare volunteers have worked tirelessly to help give these little creatures their best chance for survival,” he said.
“With only 1 in 1000 hatchlings making it to adulthood, every hatchling matters.”
He said it would be 30 years before those that did make it returned to the Sunshine Coast to nest as adults.
Division 2 Councillor Terry Landsberg said more than 11,000 hatchlings were expected to emerge, with the exact timing unpredictable.
“As the critically endangered loggerhead and vulnerable green turtles are protected species, Council and local turtle groups cannot offer ecotourism for turtle watching,” Cr Landsberg said.
“For those eager to witness this magical moment, we recommend visiting Mon Repos Turtle Centre in Bundaberg for an immersive turtle encounter.”
Cr Landsberg said beachgoers could help preservation efforts by reporting turtle tracks, new nests or emerging hatchlings to the Turtle Care hotline or Coolum and North Shore Coast Care.
“For sightings on the southern end of the coast call 0437 559 067 and for sightings from Maroochydore north call Coolum and North Shore Coast Care on 0478 435 377.”
He said locals were urged to switch off outside lights from 8pm as light pollution was disorientating for turtles and hatchlings.
