Locally owned and independent
December 14, 2023
The Northern Rivers Times
NEWS 5
Keep an eye out for nesting sea turtles on Northern Rivers beaches By Sarah Waters Sea turtle nesting season is underway on the NSW Coast and beachgoers in Byron are asked to keep an eye out and report any turtle tracks they see in the sand. Recent tracks were found on Seven Mile Beach, on the border of the Ballina and Byron Shires. Byron Shire Council’s coast and biodiversity coordinator Chloe Dowsett said the tracks were from a female turtle, that didn’t lay any eggs, but experts think she may have been looking for a nesting site. “It’s possible she will move towards a beach in the Byron Shire and if NSW Turtle Watch and Australian Seabird and Turtle Rescue are aware of a nest, they can put measures in place to protect it,” Ms Dowsett said. Council is supporting NSW Turtle Watch which is promoting the
Residents in the Byron and Ballina Shires are being asked to report any sightings of sea turtle tracks and nests on Northern Rivers beaches
long-term conservation and recovery of marine turtles in NSW. Turtles are vulnerable during nesting time when they come to shore to lay their eggs. Ms Dowsett said five species of sea turtles are found in the waters off the Byron Shire. “Some of these are endangered so it’s
important we protect and support these wonderful animals. “If people see turtle tracks on the beach, they should take a photo and contact NSW Turtle Watch and report it,” she said. Council’s waste education and compliance officer Zoe White said the simple
act of picking up rubbish while walking on the beach was another way people could help turtles and other marine species. “We are asking people, who don’t already take a bag, to make an early New Year resolution and collect rubbish every time they go for a walk,” Ms White said. “Whether the litter is on
the beach, in the bush, or on the footpath, there’s a good chance that it will end up in the ocean - so save a marine creature and pick it up before it gets there,” she said. Sea turtle nesting season on the NSW coastline runs from November to March. According to the NSW Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) Northern NSW beaches are recognised as critical habitat for two threatened marine turtle species, the vulnerable green turtle (Chelonia mydas) and the endangered loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta). NSW beaches offer climate refugia (a location where a population can survive) as well as stretches of remote beaches where threats from visitation and development may be lessened, improving nesting success, hatchling emergence rates and survivability. There are significant
data gaps in where, when and how our beaches are being used and the prevalence and impact of threats such as disturbance, light and marine pollution as well as climate change, on these turtle species. The Department of Planning and Environment’s Saving our Species Program teamed up with Australian Seabird Rescue to develop NSW TurtleWatch, a citizen science program involving volunteers to collect valuable data for marine turtles nesting in New South Wales and their potential threats. To report any turtle tracks or turtle nest sites please contact NSW TurtleWatch on 0468 489 259 To become involved in NSW Turtle Watch please email: email turtlewatchnsw@gmail. com Further information can be found at: seabirdrescue.org.au/
Building Momentum for Christmas
By Samantha Elley While giving is always a great practice, Christmas is that one time of year where practice makes perfect. Momentum Collective is once again running
their Adopt a Family This Christmas campaign and are encouraging people to experience the blessing of giving to those doing it tough. “We are collecting toys, non-perishable food and gift cards to bring
warmth and happiness to some of our clients who are women and children experiencing domestic violence and homeless people in Northern NSW,” said a Momentum Collective spokesperson. “We have already received over 150 items from the community and organisations such as Bella Blue and The Queensland Country Women’s Association. “This collaborative effort aims to ensure everyone has a decent meal and feels the support of a caring community.”
For anyone willing to brighten another family’s Christmas this year, you can drop your present to Momentum Collective offices as below: • 35 Wharf Street, Tweed Heads • 4/79 Tamar Street, Ballina • 138 Canterbury Street, Casino • 32 Prince Street, Grafton. Donations need to be to Momentum Collective by 15 December, so they can distribute them in time for Christmas.
Shop 1, 31 Burringbar St, Mullumbimby
New Season Fashions
6/40 Richmond St Wardell Phone 02 6683 4078
