Citizen scientists needed for Tweed Coast’s sea turtles

Tweed residents and visitors are being asked to keep an eye out for marine visitors to our shore with the start of the sea turtle nesting season.

The season runs until March with two threatened species, green and loggerhead turtles, coming ashore from Tweed to Forster along the NSW coast.

NSW TurtleWatch project officer Holly West is encouraging locals to become citizen scientists and help to look and record turtle tracks and nests on the Tweed Coast.

“Beachgoers can play an important role in recording where the tracks are, what type of tracks they are (to determine species) and where possible nests may be located,” Ms West said.

“We also need beachgoers to report potential threats to the turtles such as marine debris, light pollution and coastal erosion which could prevent them from finding suitable nesting sites.”

National Park and Wildlife Services (NPWS) and NSW TurtleWatch volunteers will work together to monitor nests and protect them from potential dangers.

“Female turtles usually come ashore between dusk and dawn and those early risers walking the beaches may be the ones to spot the nests first,” she said.

NSW TurtleWatch was developed by Australian Seabird Rescue and is supported by the NSW Government’s Saving Our Species program.

To find out more or to report a sea turtle sighting, please visit NSW TurtleWatch, contact them on 0468 489 259 or email turtlewatchnsw@gmail.com

Turtle sightings can also be reported to your local NPWS office or by calling 1300 072 757.