Turtle conservation in Western Australia
This type of trip is ideal for people who are unable to take very long periods off work but who are interested in volunteering to work with communities in need, or in wildlife conservation. These shorter trips combine volunteering with an opportunity to see the main sights in destinations.
How this holiday makes a difference
Environment
No known annual or consecutive recording of nesting turtles has occurred in the study site until now. Anecdotal evidence together with some past track counts by the Department of Environment and Conservation of Western Australia provided the basis for the establishment of this new annual monitoring programme.
While the flatback turtle (Natator depressus) is the prime nesting species, green turtles (Chelonia mydas) are quite likely to nest in the study site too. Other species such as hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and Olive Ridley turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) are also known to inhabit the waters of the study site.
Extensive satellite transmitter tracking of nesting flatbacks further south along the coast of Western Australia shows migratory paths past the study site to northern foraging grounds off the coastline of Broome. Where the project's flatbacks fit in to this overall picture is of prime interest for future conservation measures. Satellite tagging is also planned for the future.
Partners of this programme are the Cable Beach community-based monitoring programme in Broome, the Western Australian Department of Environment and Conservation, the Chelonia Wildlife & Rehabilitation Centre, Environs Kimberley and Seagrass Watch.
Community
All trips are developed with local partners and scientists, as well as community representatives where appropriate. This consultation serves to minimise negative impacts on local cultures. This is developed through a more complete integration into the local community, by working alongside them to achieve a conservation objective. All staff are local Australians and the expedition base is 100% owned locally. Another partner of this programme is the traditional aboriginal owners of the land, the Yawuru Native Holders Aboriginal Corporation.
1of6
