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99 endangered loggerhead turtle hatchlings have been returned to Tallebudgera and South Stradbroke Island beaches by Sea World Foundation and Watergum Community’s TurtleWatch Gold Coast after their rescue due to Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

In the lead up to Tropical Cyclone Alfred, Sea World Foundation and TurtleWatch Gold Coast relocated the entire Tallebudgera nest before their dune was destroyed and transported the eggs to Sea World where they were placed in a specially designed incubator.

Following 11 days in the incubator, the eggs began their hatching process, and the turtles were transported to Tallebudgera and South Stradbroke Island beaches to be returned and commence their maiden journey.

Sea World Foundation Aquarium Supervisor, Siobhan Houlihan said this was a remarkable outcome and testament to TurtleWatch Gold Coast’s conservation efforts.

Houlihan advised “it is incredibly rewarding to help these endangered loggerhead turtles and thanks to the expertise and equipment we have at Sea World Foundation, we were able to give these hatchlings the best chance of survival.

“The TurtleWatch Gold Coast program is a key player in turtle conservation, providing crucial data to support research and management, while engaging and educating local community.

“We are proud to be part of this initiative that not only aims to protect these threatened species but also inspires our community to play an active role in marine conservation.”

Watergum Community Chief Executive and TurtleWatch Gold Coast program lead, Rosalinde Green said the location of the nest was known to the team thanks to dedicated volunteers who walk the beaches looking out for nests as part of our TurtleWatch GC program.

Green shared “this why community-led programs like TurtleWatch Gold Coast are so essential in conserving endangered sea turtle populations.

“Without the help of more than 300 volunteers walking our beaches during turtle-nesting season, we would not have been able to rescue these vulnerable species.”

Supported by the City of Gold Coast’s Catchment and Citizen Science Grants Program, TurtleWatch Gold Coast engages local communities in the conservation of sea turtles by empowering citizen scientists to contribute to the safeguarding of these iconic species. For more information on how to support the program, please visit https://seaworld.com.au/foundation

Image top.  Loggerhead Turtle Hatchling released - Siobhan Houlihan (SWF) and Jenna Versluis (TurtleWatch); Image below. Loggerhead Turtle Hatchlings. Credit: Sea World Foundation 

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