Make Way For The Turtles! Nesting Season Begins On Hinchinbrook Beaches

Hinchinbrook Shire Council is delighted to announce the arrival of nesting Green and Flatback Turtles along the pristine shorelines this season. These remarkable marine creatures are laying their clutches of eggs between November and January, with hatchlings expected to emerge from January to April.

Green Turtles typically lay around 50 eggs per clutch, while Flatback Turtles lay closer to 100. Many turtles nest multiple times a season, and their hatchlings begin a courageous journey to the sea, returning decades later to continue the cycle.

During nesting and hatchling season it’s important to reduce our use of artificial light on the shoreline. Hatchlings use the moonlight and starlight to navigate themselves towards the ocean, which means artificial light can confuse them and they may end up in land.

In addition, nesting turtles prefer beaches with no artificial light, the use of the light can deter them from nesting at their desired beach.

Council is calling on the community to assist in identifying nesting locations and turtle tracks. By reporting sightings or evidence of nesting, such as tracks, residents play a vital role in enabling Council to manage and monitor these sites for the duration of the nesting season.

Nesting sites, including those identified near Lucinda Beach, are fragile ecosystems. Council reminds residents and visitors that activities such as driving or misuse of beaches can crush turtle nests, damage vegetation that protects dunes, and exacerbate erosion. Prohibited behaviours may result in penalties under various legislations.

To report nesting sea turtle sites, please contact Council on 4776 4800 or send a photo of a nest and tracks to council@hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au.

Your support helps protect these magnificent creatures and ensures their legacy for future generations.

Understanding nesting patterns is crucial for:

• Contributing to the conservation of turtle populations within the Great Barrier Reef and globally

• Strengthening funding applications for initiatives like the Hinchinbrook Community Feral Pig Management Program, as feral pigs are known predators of turtle eggs

• Enhancing Hinchinbrook's wilderness appeal, drawing visitors to experience its natural beauty.