Funding Boost To Protect Turtle Hatchlings Along Queensland Coast

More than $820,000 in funding has been announced to support turtle nest protection and predator control projects along Queensland’s coastline, helping threatened marine turtle hatchlings safely reach the ocean. Photo source: Shutterstock

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Queensland’s threatened marine turtle populations are set to receive a major boost, with more than $820,000 in funding announced to support projects protecting nests and hatchlings along the State’s coastline, including regions connected to the Great Barrier Reef.

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Delivered through the Nest to Ocean Turtle Protection Program, the funding will support seven organisations from Far North Queensland to the Wide Bay region working to improve turtle survival rates through predator control and nest protection measures.

Jointly funded by the State and Federal Governments, the program provides grants of up to $120,000 for projects aimed at protecting key nesting beaches from threats such as feral pigs, foxes and other predators.

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Queensland is home to six of the world’s seven marine turtle species, including green, loggerhead, hawksbill and flatback turtles, all considered threatened due to climate change, habitat loss and predation.

Since the program began in 2014, more than 40,000 turtle nests have been monitored across Queensland, with an estimated 2.5 million hatchlings successfully reaching the ocean thanks to predator control and direct nest protection measures.

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Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt said the initiative was helping safeguard vulnerable species connected to the Great Barrier Reef.

“Traditional Owners have been caring for the Reef for thousands of years and we’re committed to investing in their knowledge and experience.” Minister Watt said

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The program also supports partnerships with Traditional Owners, local conservation groups and regional organisations carrying out on-ground works at priority nesting beaches along the Queensland coast.

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