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12 November 2007
Bay turtle deaths rise – Queensland marine
law must evolve
A rise in human-related sea turtle deaths in Moreton Bay
this year has hardened the Australian Marine Conservation
Society’s (AMCS) resolve to seek amendments to Queensland’s
marine park zoning legislation.
University of Queensland necropsies of dead Moreton Bay sea
turtles have pointed to boat-strikes and litter as key causes
of increasing mortalities.
UQ’s Moreton Bay Research Station (MBRS) co-manager
and marine biologist Kathy Townsend said this week “the
impact of rubbish ingestion is much higher than recorded in
past years, while boat strike is still the principle cause
of human induced mortality on sea turtles.”
Human related activities accounted for nearly one third of
sea turtle deaths in Queensland in 2002. In 2007, Townsend
found at least half of turtle mortalities around North Stradbroke
Island had been due to human activity, with ingested rubbish
mortalities doubling since last year.
She said many sea turtles contracted ‘floating disease’
when inorganic material such as wrap, balloons and plastic
bottle caps were ingested into the sea turtle’s gut,
creating a blockage which effects digestion and causes a gas
build-up that left turtles buoyant, making it difficult for
them to dive, feed, and vulnerable to predators.
“Boat strike is the final killing blow,” she
said.
“Turtles are important for conservation, ecosystems
and the tourism industry. Sea turtles world-wide are at risk
of extinction, all species are listed as either vulnerable
or endangered. They are an integral part of the marine ecosystem
and more could be done to protect our local population.”
The Queensland Marine Parks Act 2004 secures less that 1%
of the area of Moreton Bay Marine Park in highly protected,
non-extractive green zones. Australian Marine Conservation
Society campaigner Craig Bohm is calling for significant expansion
of the area of highly protected, non-extractive green zones.
“Green zones will protect turtles,” he said.
“Right now, in October and November, turtles return
to Moreton Bay to feed. They’ve been migrating from
all over the place - some from as far as Mexico - and are
weak and particularly vulnerable to human threat.”
“The AMCS wants the Queensland government to amend the
Act to increase the number and size of green zones in Moreton
Bay Marine Park to include at least 1/3 of each of the Park’s
16 aquatic habitats, for example, seagrass meadows, which
are critical turtle habitats”.
Six of the world’s seven species of sea turtle have
been found in Moreton Bay Marine Park. Of these, the hawksbill,
green and loggerhead turtles live in the Park all year while
others are occasional visitors to the Park. The loggerhead
turtle is critically endangered and according to the EPA is
facing local extinction in Queensland.
To accommodate deficits in the Act the AMCS asks boaties to
“consider using propeller guards on boats to avoid striking
turtles” and says “take your time, support our
call for more green zones, and observe ‘go slow’
areas in the Bay.”
EPA stranding hotline 1300 130 372.
ends
ABOUT AMCS
The national Australian Marine Conservation Society is based
in Manly, Brisbane. The AMCS is Australia’s peak marine
conservation group and has operated nationally since 1965.
It monitors and rescues marine species and marine environments.
The AMCS has launched a pilot project to save turtles from
unnecessary death by crab pots and other marine debris. The
project involves locals working with scientists and industry.
Website: www.marineconservation.org.au
Photos: Contact AMCS head office on (07) 3393 5811. Photo
attached ‘Turtle Strike’ courtesy Lee Shipley,
Bay Journal
Media contact: Craig Bohm: 0427 133 481
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