Turtle monitoring in West Pilbara

Cummins Karratha employees volunteered in a turtle monitoring and beach clean-up community event as part of the West Pilbara Turtle Program (WPTP).

WPTP is a partnership between the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, and the Parks and Wildlife Service. The program aims to:

• increase awareness of marine turtles in the West Pilbara area

• monitor numbers of nesting marine turtles by identifying and counting tracks

• determine nesting success

• record evidence of impactsof human interference and feral animal predation on beaches.

Flatback turtles (Natatordepressus) are the main species the program monitors. They are endemic to Australia and all the species’ known breeding sites occur only on Australian beaches.

On the day, volunteers sighted 250 to 300 turtle nests spread across the beach and recorded a total of 10 new nests. They were also educated on turtle monitoring and the ways technology is used to help monitor and assist turtle nesting.

Employees also conducted a clean up at Nickol West Park in Karratha, which was fulfilling because it is a spot where many spend personal time with their families.

Participant feedback was that they found the event extremely interesting and thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to support their community.