The Department of Environment and Science is asking the public for their ideas on protecting marine turtle nests and hatchlings through the Nest to Ocean Turtle Protection Program.
Minister for the Environment, Meaghan Scanlon launched the sixth round of the program, which provides $600,000 for active nest protection and predator control efforts.
“Since the program began in 2014, grant recipients have monitored more than 20,000 turtle nests and improved nest survival rates to 85 per cent due to predator control activities and direct nest protection,” Ms Scanlon said.
“Importantly, it is estimated that 1.3 million hatchlings have made their way to the ocean since the program began.”
She said funding of up to $150,000 was available for projects that maintained, adapted and strengthened existing direct management efforts at key nesting beaches and foraging grounds.
“Queensland’s unique environment is one of our major attractions, with the promise of seeing a turtle lay eggs or witness hatchling baby turtles make their first dash to the ocean drawing tourists from around the world,” Ms Scanlon said.
“This is why the protection of our flora and fauna is also so important to help maintain domestic tourism for the regions and to rebuild international tourism once it resumes.”
She said funding was available for projects to be conducted at specific turtle rookeries on the east coast of Cape York, the Torres Strait, Great Barrier Reef coastal catchments and coastal islands.
Not-for-profit organisations, Indigenous corporations, tertiary education institutions and Natural Resource Management groups are encouraged to apply for funding.
Applications close on 26 February and the information about the Program can be accessed at this PS News link.
