University of the Sunshine Coast identifies need for Hervey Bay facility to help threatened turtles

As fears grow that hundreds of turtles are in danger of starving to death in coming months, plans to establish a turtle rescue, rehabilitation and research centre in the Wide Bay region are gaining momentum.

Queensland’s Wide Bay Burnett Region is located North of Brisbane, bordering at the end of the Sunshine Coast all the way to the start of Bundaberg. The proposed centre is supported by marine life rescue groups, Fraser Coast Regional Council and the Butchulla Native Title Aboriginal Corporation.

University of the Sunshine Coast marine biologist Associate Professor Kathy Townsend says researchers and turtle rescue groups have identified a vital gap that needs to be filled to give threatened turtles the best care and the greatest opportunity for survival.

“We now need help to turn this proposal into a reality,” said Associate Professor Townsend, who leads global research into marine conservation and human impacts on the marine environment.

“Having a facility at Hervey Bay will allow us to triage rescued turtles in need of care and conduct vital research into the general health of our threatened turtle populations and other sea life, which is not just important for this region, but also globally.

“It would act as a central hub for community and educational activities in the Fraser Coast region and attract early career researchers and HDR students to the region.”

The emergence of a mystery ‘soft shell’ disease in turtles in local waterways, and a massive increase in sick and stranded turtles in recent months, has highlighted the urgent plight of the marine reptiles.

“This is stretching the capacity of our rescue volunteers here and the staff at Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, which at three hours away, is our closest treatment option for sick and injured sea turtles,” said Associate Professor Townsend.

Between January and August, 91 turtles were rescued and transported to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital at the Sunshine Coast for treatment, compared to only 12 for the whole of 2019. Many more in poor condition had to be left behind.

“Many turtles are starving. In some areas, only 1% of seagrass beds – the main food source for turtles – remain after being smothered by sediment from recent heavy rain and flooding,” she said.

“Other turtles are being impacted by pollutants that come with flood waters, including the large amounts of plastic and rubbish that gets swept out of storm drains.

“Since turtles can’t tell the difference between food and rubbish, many end up ingesting plastic and other marine debris, which causes them to suffocate, or get entangled in plastic loops, bags and even disposable face masks.”

Contribute to research and help save injured sea turtles this G-Day

The community is being asked to help protect the region’s endangered marine creatures and support rescue efforts by backing a special Giving Day campaign recently launched by the University of the Sunshine Coast.

All Giving Day donations will directly support sea turtle facilities, research and rescue programs conducted by UniSC. Donations can be made for the next month.

The Sandy Michell Legacy Fund will also match all donations to sea turtle conservation, up to a total of $25,000. An additional $25,000 will be unlocked if 150 or more donors are reached.

“By donating, people have a real opportunity to do something that will tangibly improve the plight of sea turtles in our local region and have a long-term impact at a state, national and international level for sea turtle conservation and care,” said Associate Professor Townsend.

Giving Day donations at givingday.usc.edu.au/

Image top:Turtles can’t tell the difference between food and rubbish, many end up ingesting plastic and other marine debris, which causes them to suffocate; image above Fraser Coast Regional Council's Natural Environment Team held 'Caring for our Coast' events in March and April, to take a closer look at the extraordinary lives of marine turtles, the threats they face and what the public can do to help them.