The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) has announced that five rescued juvenile loggerhead turtles have been released back into their natural habitat via the Ningaloo Marine Park.
The DBCA said the turtles were washed ashore along the South-West coast and found by members of the public who alerted the DBCA’s Parks and Wildlife Service.
Once reported, the turtles were taken to Perth Zoo vets for assessment, before being transferred to the State’s turtle rehabilitation centres.
Three of the turtles had satellite transmitters attached to their shells to track their movements for the next six months. Previously, individuals have been tracked as far as Madagascar.
Scientist at the DBCA, Scott Whiting said the tag-and-release operation would provide valuable data and insight into loggerhead habitat and movements.
“This is a great example of teamwork, with community involvement and multiple organisations working to support the conservation of this important, vulnerable and highly migratory species,” Dr Whiting said.
“The scientific information we gather through tracking will help provide valuable insight into the little-known early life of the loggerhead turtle, and we can learn more about their drifting patterns influenced by nearshore and offshore currents.”
He said post-hatchling loggerhead turtles periodically strand along the South-West coast.
The DBCA said the strandings appeared to be influenced by winter storms and the strength of the Leeuwin current.
“Some years there are less than 10 found, while in other years more than 100,” it said.
