GREEN TURTLE NESTING DECLINE ON CROKER ISLAND
[back row from left to right] Bryan MacDonald and Sonny Wauchope of Garngi Rangers, Eloise Haskins of WWF Australia and Dr. Carol Palmer, Senior Research Associate (Cetaceans and Marine Megafauna) at Charles Darwin University's (CDU) Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods (RIEL), [front] CDU RIEL PhD candidate Natalie Robson. Natalie's thesis is focused on the foraging ecology of Green Turtles in the Northern Territory.
BY ASAD KHAN
Green turtle nesting on Croker Island has declined by 78% since the 1990s, according to recent research conducted by Charles Darwin University (CDU), WWF, and local ranger groups. This drop in nesting numbers has raised significant concerns about the future of the species.
CDU PhD candidate Natalie Robson highlighted the alarming nature of the decline, noting that local ranger groups are particularly worried about the future survival of green turtles in the region.
Ms Robson is part of a project working on practical solutions aimed at protecting not just turtles, but also whales and dolphins in Northern Australia.
She encouraged the public to assist with ongoing research by reporting sightings of dolphins, whales, or other marine species that may be uncommon in the area.
"If you see some cool dolphins or whale species you haven't really seen before, get in touch with the university or ranger groups and just let them know that you've seen it, as that can be really important for our research," she said.
CDU RIEL PhD candidate Natalie Robson and Senior Research Associate (Cetaceans and Marine Megafauna) RIEL Dr. Carol Palmer.
Additionally, she urged people to take action when encountering marine debris such as plastics and ghostnets in the water.
"If you see plastics and ghostnets in the water, pick it up or, if it's too big, let the local rangers know so that they can go out and sort it out."
The research underscores the importance of community involvement in protecting Northern Australia’s marine life and the collaborative efforts needed to safeguard vulnerable species like the green turtle.
Listen to Ngaarda Media’s Lead Journalist Asad Khan speak with CDU PhD candidate Natalie Robson: