Turtles return to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

[admin]

18/11/2011

Five green turtles will be released back into the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park today after fully recovering from their ailments at Townsville's Reef HQ Aquarium Turtle Hospital.

Goldie, Sophie, Pete, Giovanni and Booker will all return to the water and be fitted with acoustic tags to allow researchers to monitor them.

This data is vital for marine managers as it allows them to make informed management decisions that will hopefully better protect species such as turtles.

Reef HQ Director Fred Nucifora said it was great to see these turtles had been nursed back to health.

"The team of experts at the Reef HQ Aquarium gave the turtles the necessary care and attention and they were able to regain weight and recover from their conditions," Mr Nucifora said.

"All of this work in the Turtle Hospital would not have been possible without the support of the community.

"The Turtle Hospital relies on donations from the community and businesses so today is really a celebration of all the hard work by the wider community to assist our turtles."

Xstrata Copper's Community Fund, Mix 106.3FM and James Cook University have all provided support to release these turtles.

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Species Conservation Manager Dr Mark Read said rehabilitating sick turtles was much needed with the species under pressure following several years of extreme weather.

"Turtles have been doing it tough following the destruction of their main food source seagrass after several big wet seasons and cyclone Yasi," Dr Read said.

"Thankfully these turtles have been fortunate enough to be rehabilitated at the Turtle Hospital and they will be continued to be monitored.

Xstrata General Manager Mark Roberts said he was proud Xstrata Copper's Community Fund supported the Turtle Hospital.

"Xstrata Copper has supported the Reef HQ Turtle Hospital since its opening in 2009 and we are pleased to continue supporting the rehabilitation of these magnificent creatures that live on our doorstep," Mr Roberts said.

"Xstrata Copper commends Reef HQ staff who look after the sick and injured turtles and the efforts to educate the public about the plight of the various species through their conservation programs."

The latest batch of turtles to return to the water will see the number of rehabilitated patients rise to 36.

More about Marine Turtles
http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/about-the-reef ... ne-turtles