As the sea turtle nesting season ends (Winter 2025), we have had an exciting year with new volunteers joining us in Hervey Bay this season, which gives us new opportunities for the legacy to continue.

The season was not without its challenges, with volunteers spending hours on the beach or researching to find solutions. The foxes were a problem this year, and we had our top cages installed, but the fox still found a way to get under the screens. We took different measures to deter the fox and found one or two were quite successful.

Cyclone Alfred subsequently caused significant erosion to the already compact beach, severely compromising one of the turtle nests. Fortunately, the timing was opportune, and the hatchlings had already begun their journey to the surface.

The last nest we have been carefully monitoring survived the fox and the cyclone, only for us to discover human intrusion. The natural balance with wild animals is so fragile, and for anybody to attempt to dig a nest up that is not ready to emerge will often destroy the hatchlings. Fortunately, we found the nest intact, allowing the hatchlings to emerge and go on their way.

Thank you to all the volunteers and beachgoers who monitored nests or showed interest in our work. Your support and public awareness are so important for educating beach visitors and protecting our turtles.

At the end of the season, time is allocated to analyse the data, review methods, and develop solutions or changes for the following year, as well as to work on other ongoing projects in the area. 

To stay up to date on the news and current activities, check out https://www.lmrg.net/news.

Article contributed by Lesley Bradley, Lower Mary River Land and Catchment Care Group