GREEN TURTLE RESEARCH

Hi

In the previous post I mentioned that we were planning some marine research during the latter part of this year. After a lot of issues in the community and a change of location we finally got out on the water last week. What a joy that was! We were joined by three Charles Darwin Uni (CDU) researchers and one from WWF. This project is funded by the Commonwealth Marine Parks so we had one of their managers come along for a few days. The Mardbalk rangers from Goulburn Island also joined us.

This photo shows the CDU and Mardbalk vessels. There is turtle in the nearest vessel. 

The turtle is measured for length and width, a flipper tag attached to one of the front flippers, a DNA sample taken from one of the rear flippers and then returned to the water ASAP. The wet towel covering her head is to minimise any distress.

A small sample of skin tissue for DNA analysis. We also attached trackers to some however at $4K each  there was a limited supply so we only placed these on the breeding males. In north Queensland there has been a feminizing of the turtle populations due to the warming climate. The temperature of the nest chamber determines the gender of the turtles - the warmer sand results in more females. In some areas in north Queensland the ratio of hatching turtles has been 99% female and only 1% male. This area does not appear to be that bad. Early data indicates the ratio here seems to be around 80% female and 20% male. 

We try to return them to the water as quickly as possible. 

The four photos below were provided by one of the researchers who is a keen underwater photographer and has a very nice camera. Firstly, Clayton, Tyson and I about to release a large female Green Turtle.

And seconds later she is away.

Elle and Sonny releasing a small Green female.

And she is off and racing. The smaller turtles are quite fast and very agile. 

The male Green Turtle below has had a tracker glued to his shell which is already telling us his foraging range. Hopefully it will tell us where he goes for the mating. This could be off Broome in WA or in northern Queensland. The researchers say they could even go up into Asia. 

Finally, our camp amongst the Casuarina trees. The boats are high and dry at low tide. Tides determine when most things happen in this part of the world.

Nancy is in Queensland caring for her sister who has recently had a knee joint replacement.

Next blog I will cover dolphins, sawfish and illegal foreign fishing vessels.

Until then, take care and blessings to you all.

Bryan