AusTurtle
is a major supporter of sea turtle research at Bare Sand Island, Northern
Territory.
A
large population of flatback sea turtles nest at Bare Sand Island during
the winter months. During this time, researchers and volunteers gather
data on the nesting turtles to estimate population size, monitor abundance
over time and to determine any threats to survival. This research has
been running since 1996 and has identified an important nesting population
of flatback sea turtles. Funding for the research has always been very
restricted creating limitations to data collection and the length of the
field season. With increasing support from AusTurtle over the next 5 years,
it is hoped that research will be able to be expanded to include electronic
tagging of nesting turtles, satellite tracking of nesting turtles and
undertaking extensive temperature studies on the nests in situ. With this
additional support it will create an ideal work environment for student
projects, further enhancing our knowledge of the species and the research
undertaken.
The
waters around Bare Sand Island support significant numbers of foraging
green and hawksbill turtles. Both species are vulnerable to extinction
under Australian classification (EPBC Act 1999). Green turtles are internationally
classified as endangered and hawksbill turtles are critically endangered
internationally (IUCN Red List). Annually researchers monitor green and
hawksbill turtle populations by capture of turtles while they are feeding
on the reef. This research will provide population estimates, relative
species abundance and identify threats.
Education
and Awareness
Public awareness
and education regarding sea turtles has been conducted since 1996 during
the Bare Sand Island field research. This has been mainly in the form
of informal discussions with visitors to the island and distribution of
educative material. Many local fishermen camp on Bare Sand Island on weekends,
with up to 20 groups of people visiting the island on long weekends.
With some
support from AusTurtle, a masters student is currently undertaking a project
at Bare Sand Island on tourism and the nesting turtles.
A more formal
education program has recently been conducted for passengers from
a cruise ship running between Broome and Darwin. A scientist from AusTurtle
gives a lecture on sea turtle natural history, conservation and threats
and then passengers go ashore at Bare Sand Island to view the research
and possibly view turtle nesting.
Student
projects
There are
currently no student projects underway. If you are interested in undertaking
a student project please contact us.