Rescue and release: a return to the ocean
NSW Status: Vulnerable
Commonwealth Status: Vulnerable
A sighting of the threatened Green Turtle (also known as the Green Sea Turtle) is a rare thing – despite existing for 110 million years they are now a species in decline. As such, it was no surprise that residents of Port Macquarie and surrounds flocked to Town Beach on the 8th October 2024 to watch the release of two rehabilitated green turtles back in to the wild.
The Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary had been caring for the two turtles since March this year – one had been found in Port Macquarie entangled in fishing line and the other wedged between rocks at Lake Cathie. They had been nursed back to health by Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary as part of their turtle rehabilitation program. To date, the program has rescued 93 Green Turtles this financial year and released 53 back into the wild. This important work is invaluable in saving this vulnerable species.
What do they look like?
The Green Turtle is one of the world’s largest sea turtles, growing up to 1m long. It has a small head compared to it’s body, strong front flippers and a heart-shaped shell patterned in olive green, brown and black. It has prominent scales on it’s face and limbs, with distinctive pale edges.
Fun Fact!
Habitat and Diet
Green Turtles are widely distributed, nesting in over 80 countries and inhabiting the coastal waters of over 140 nations. They mostly stick to tropical and sub-tropical seas around the equator, but are also found in the waters off the north and central coasts of NSW.
Spending most of their life at sea, they only return to land to lay their eggs – around 115 at a time!
Baby green turtles are omnivores, eating a varied diet of algae, small fish, crabs, worms and jellyfish. As adults, they feed exclusively on marine plants.
Under Threat
The Green Turtle is under threat from a variety of sources. Human interactions such as collisions with boats, entanglement in shark nets and fishing equipment, ingestion of marine debris, and destruction of nests by 4WD’s, people and dogs result in a high level of turtle mortality. Artificial lighting near nests has been found to confuse turtle hatchlings, causing them to be attracted away from the sea and putting them at risk of predators.
Climate change is another critical factor – increased temperatures, rising sea levels and extreme weather events effect breeding and nests.
Interestingly, the sex of the Green Turtle is determined by the heat of the sand that their eggs are incubated in. Recent research has shown that hatchlings in the northern part of the Great Barrier Reef are being born almost entirely female, currently outnumbering males 116 to 1.
What can you do?
Here are some practical actions you can take to help our green turtles
Turtles often mistake plastic waste for food, leading to ingestion or entanglement. Avoid single-use plastics, recycle properly, and participate in local clean-up events, especially around beaches and waterways.
When released, balloons often end up in the ocean, where they can be deadly to marine life. Choose eco-friendly (ideally reusable) alternatives for celebrations instead and ensure you leave no trace behind.
Slow down in areas where turtles might be present, particularly near estuaries and reefs. Turtles are often injured by boat collisions, so staying alert and reducing speed in turtle habitats can make a big difference.
Quick action can make a huge difference in its chance of survival. If you find a turtle that looks injured or stranded, call local wildlife rescue services for assistance.
