Recreational activities on beaches have the potential to impact on turtle nesting success Marine turtles in Australia are listed threatened species and are vulnerable to many threatening processes including Ghostnets, entanglement in fishing gear, marine debris, habitat loss, boat strike and feral animal predation. Non-invasive turtle viewing requires an understanding of the nesting process and appropriate behaviour around turtles and their habitat. Untrained and self-guided viewing often disturbs the nesting process, affecting the female turtle's valuable energy reserves and potentially, her reproductive success. These community guidelines suggest appropriate behaviour for commercial and non-commercial beach-users, to engage with marine turtles in a safe, enjoyable and sustainable manner. A female marine turtle comes ashore to nest On the beach Avoid driving on known turtle nesting beaches. If necessary, drive with care below the high tide mark or at least 20 metres from the base of the dunes away from where nests are most likely to be found. Restrict light spill from vehicle headlights by shielding the upper and lower part of the beam, producing a slit in the middle of the headlights. Do not light campfires on turtle nesting beaches. Remove rubbish. Walk at a safe distance (more than 10m) from the the presence of water’s edge given saltwater crocodiles and to allow nesting turtles to emerge from the water. On the water Do not disturb or interfere with mating turtles. Observe them from a distance and do not impede their movement or block their escape. Lighting on vessels may disturb nesting turtles and attract turtle hatchlings. Lights on vessels may also attract crocodiles, so keep lighting to a practical, safe level. Nesting turtles Use red lights or low-level lights directed at the ground within groups to prevent trips, falls and stumbling on coral and debris. Tour guides should direct torch-shine during tours, and within groups, should provide only enough torches for safety. Do not use white lighting from when a turtle is located until it has started laying. While waiting for turtles to emerge from the water wait in a group at the base of the dunes. Tour guides are to act as forward scouts to look for turtles, and position groups of people at least 20m to the side of the likely route up the beach. turtles’
Recreational activities on beaches have the potential to impact on turtle nesting success Marine turtles in Australia are listed threatened species and are vulnerable to many threatening processes including Ghostnets, entanglement in fishing gear, marine debris, habitat loss, boat strike and feral animal predation. Non-invasive turtle viewing requires an understanding of the nesting process and appropriate behaviour around turtles and their habitat. Untrained and self-guided viewing often disturbs the nesting process, affecting the female turtle's valuable energy reserves and potentially, her reproductive success. These community guidelines suggest appropriate behaviour for commercial and non-commercial beach-users, to engage with marine turtles in a safe, enjoyable and sustainable manner. A female marine turtle comes ashore to nest On the beach Avoid driving on known turtle nesting beaches. If necessary, drive with care below the high tide mark or at least 20 metres from the base of the dunes away from where nests are most likely to be found. Restrict light spill from vehicle headlights by shielding the upper and lower part of the beam, producing a slit in the middle of the headlights. Do not light campfires on turtle nesting beaches. Remove rubbish. Walk at a safe distance (more than 10m) from the water’s edge given the presence of saltwater crocodiles and to allow nesting turtles to emerge from the water. On the water Do not disturb or interfere with mating turtles. Observe them from a distance and do not impede their movement or block their escape. Lighting on vessels may disturb nesting turtles and attract turtle hatchlings. Lights on vessels may also attract crocodiles, so keep lighting to a practical, safe level. Nesting turtles Use red lights or low-level lights directed at the ground within groups to prevent trips, falls and stumbling on coral and debris. Tour guides should direct torch-shine during tours, and within groups, should provide only enough torches for safety. Do not use white lighting from when a turtle is located until it has started laying. While waiting for turtles to emerge from the water wait in a group at the base of the dunes. Tour guides are to act as forward scouts to look for turtles, and position groups of people at least 20m to the side of the turtles’ likely route up the beach.