There are baby turtles on my local beach - what do I do?
7th February 2010
On Sunshine Coast beaches emerging hatchlings are usually seen from mid January until late March, or even into April depending on the season. They usually exit their nests in the cool of the evening - generally before 10pm.
Throughout the nesting season volunteers from Turtle Care Sunshine Coast actively locate turtle nests and cover them with fox exclusion mesh. You may find the nest the hatchlings are emerging from is covered with yellow and orange construction mesh. The hatchlings can emerge straight through the mesh and it will stay in place usually for five days after the emergence of the hatchlings.
Because the shape and compaction of the sand in the chamber is critical to the survival of eggs and emerging hatchlings, do not interfere with the nest at any time over the incubation or emergence period. Disturbance of the chamber can result in trapped air being removed, compaction of the chamber and alteration of the shape of the chamber wall, all of which can decrease the survival rate of hatchlings at emergence time. Turtles, at all life stages, are also protected by State and Federal legislation and any interference with them can result in heavy penalties.
In the egg chamber, about half a metre under the sand, the hatchlings break out of their eggs within a few hours of one another and it will take around 24 hours for them to straighten out and leave the eggshell. They then wait and start climbing to the surface as a group and this may take up to 2 days. The group then usually emerges onto the surface in a rush and it may only take around 10 minutes for all to emerge. Some hatchlings may take longer so during this critical time do no disturb the chamber as you may trap hatchlings.
If you are lucky enough to be on your local beach to witness what is surely one of nature's most wonderful displays please remember the following hints :
- It is important that you DO NOT USE TORCHES or cameras with flashes as they easily disorientate hatchlings, hindering their race to the ocean. If hatchlings are following lights everywhere they are more likely to be trodden on and they are wasting precious energy that is needed for their swim away from coastal waters;
- Hatchlings can actually emerge through the protective mesh put in place by Turtle Care volunteers. This is left in place even after emergence as not all hatchlings may emerge with the main group;
- On beaches where there is intrusive lighting from parks, streets and housing Turtle Care volunteers may need to use a gutter guard barrier around the rear of the nest to funnel the hatchlings down the beach away from inappropriate light sources.
- Always keep clear of the nest as you may inadvertently push sand into the nest, restricting the progress of hatchlings below;
- Allow the hatchlings to emerge naturally and exit the beach without interference. Hatchlings are imprinted to the dip and intensity of the earth’s magnetic field. Handling the hatchlings interferes with this process, which is particularly critical for female hatchlings that will use that imprint to return to the same region for nesting in 25-30 years time;
- If other residents or visitors join you on the beach please explain why the use of torches and handling of hatchlings is prohibited.
- Report emerging nests to the Coordinator, Turtle Care Sunshine Caost as soon as possible by calling 0437 559067.
