The first nesting turtles of the season have arrived at the Mon Repos Turtle Centre.
Ranger in Charge of Mon Repos, Cathy Gatley said the event was heralded by the ringing of bells in Bundaberg churches.
“It is based on an ancient Scottish tradition to welcome back fishing boats returning to port, adapted to herald the start of each turtle season,” Mrs Gatley said.
“St Peter’s Anglican Church in Bargara was the first to ring its bells. It’s a wonderful tradition that Bundaberg locals and tourists look forward to each year.”
She said staff at Mon Repos noticed the first flatback turtle coming ashore last week.
“We’re hoping it will be another busy nesting season with waves of turtles swimming to Mon Repos’ shores to lay their eggs,” Mrs Gatley said.
“Last year 386 turtles migrated to nest on the beaches of the Woongarra Coast,” she said.
“On top of this, 25,668 people visited Mon Repos during the previous turtle season which is a testament to its popularity and educational value for visitors.”
Mrs Gatley said this year’s turtle season would be slightly different due to COVID-19 restrictions.
“Our COVID-19 safe plan has seen us limit the number of tickets to our turtle education and conservation centre.
“If you’re planning on visiting us at the centre for a day tour you now need to book online, or if joining one of our ranger-guided turtle encounters then I encourage you to snap up your tickets as they’re selling fast.”
She said the Mon Repos Turtle Encounter was the only ranger-guided turtle encounter available on the east coast and was instrumental in the research into turtle conservation.
She said it supported the largest population of nesting loggerhead turtles in the South Pacific and was critical to the survival of the endangered species.
