A partnership between the Department of Environment and Science (DES), the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and James Cook University (JCU) has led to the release of 12 green turtles onto the reef.
Spokesperson for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Joint Field Management Program (RJFMP), Mark Read said the turtles were collected during an afternoon nest emergence on Heron Island in 2017.
“What that means is the hatchlings were visible to daylight predators and therefore easy food for seagulls, fish and sharks,” Dr Read said.
“We collected what we could, saving these 12 turtles from certain death alongside their siblings.”
He said the 12 turtles were now big enough to be released into the ocean having survived the high-risk phase of their lives.
The turtles were released at John Brewer Reef in waters off Palm Island.
Queensland Parks and Wildlife provided a vessel and Ian Bell, from the Threatened Species Unit, oversaw the release operation.
Ellen Ariel from James Cook University said the baby turtles spent time at JCU during which they supplied information for 23 separate studies regarding the turtle immune system, genetics, behaviour and welfare.
“They have contributed plenty to science and for that we are truly grateful,” Associate Professor Ariel said.
“The release occurred on a clear day with flat seas, which made for perfect conditions.”
