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 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