19/03/2025
Aunty Roeina Edmund, Zalhi Hayden, and Zaire Hughes spent a week in Bundaberg, participating in an intensive Turtle Training Program at Mon Repos, Bargara. This experience provided them with hands-on learning alongside marine biologists, conservationists, and experienced rangers dedicated to protecting sea turtles.
During the training, they had the incredible opportunity to witness the full nesting process firsthand. Under the moonlit sky, they observed female turtles emerging from the ocean, laboriously making their way up the beach to find the perfect nesting spot. They learned to identify key nesting behaviors, such as sand throwing and body pitting, before the turtles carefully laid their eggs. With expert guidance, they recorded crucial data, measuring the turtles’ shells, tagging individuals for tracking, and monitoring their nesting patterns.
Beyond the nesting process, they gained essential skills in hatchling protection. They observed the tiny turtles as they instinctively crawled toward the ocean, guided by the natural light of the horizon. However, they also learned about the challenges these hatchlings face—predation, artificial lighting, and environmental threats such as erosion and rising sea levels. Part of their training involved ensuring safe passage for the hatchlings, removing obstacles, and relocating at-risk nests when necessary.
Additionally, they explored the unique characteristics of the six sea turtle species native to Australia: the Loggerhead, Green, Hawksbill, Flatback, Leatherback, and Olive Ridley turtles. They studied their distinct habitats, migration routes, breeding grounds, and the specific threats each species faces. From learning about the importance of temperature in determining the gender of hatchlings to understanding the dangers of marine debris, they deepened their knowledge of turtle conservation and the urgent need for protection efforts.
This immersive training reinforced the connection between scientific conservation and traditional knowledge. Guided by Elders, they understood that caring for sea turtles is not just about data collection—it is about continuing a cultural responsibility that has existed for thousands of years. As they completed their training, Aunty Roeina, Zalhi, and Zaire returned home with a renewed sense of duty, prepared to apply their knowledge to protect and preserve these ancient creatures for future generations.
Aunty Roeina and Zalhi have earned our accreditations in turtle handling, and we are now prepared to resume our training to take car of our dhanggui (Saltwater Turtles) on our Darumbal Nunthi (Country).
