The largest gathering of green sea turtles ever recorded

64,000 Turtles Gathered Off the Great Barrier Reef: Drone Video Monitoring Them Is Extraordinary

An extraordinary event was captured by researchers from the Raine Island Recovery Project: the largest aggregation of green sea turtles ever recorded. Using drones, approximately 64,000 turtles were counted gathering off the coast of the Great Barrier Reef, near Raine Island, for their nesting season.

This discovery allowed for more accurate data compared to traditional methods, revealing that previous estimates had underestimated the actual population by 50%. The drone proved to be a more effective and safer tool compared to earlier counting methods, which involved boats and non-toxic paint marking.

A threatened species and the challenges of conservation

Despite the impressive number of individuals observed, the green sea turtle remains a species at risk in Queensland. These animals face threats from hunting, egg collection, and the loss of nesting habitats. Additionally, they are often caught in fishing nets or ingest plastic waste, endangering their survival.

The Raine Island conservation project is focusing on concrete measures to protect these animals. Key initiatives include improving nesting beaches and constructing fences to reduce the risk of deadly falls from the cliffs. The goal is to create a safer environment for the turtles and improve reproductive success.

Drones to monitor turtles

One of the most groundbreaking aspects of this study is the innovative use of drones for turtle monitoring. Researchers found that this technology enables them to spot 1.73 times more turtles than traditional methods. Drones also offer the advantage of collecting data more quickly, accurately, and with less disturbance to the animals.

Anna Marsden, Director of the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, praised the scientists’ work, emphasizing how the combination of science and technology is enhancing the ability to protect one of the world’s most important green sea turtle colonies.

Although the situation for these turtles remains critical, initiatives like the Raine Island Recovery Project are a significant step in their protection. Thanks to new technologies and targeted conservation strategies, efforts are underway to secure a better future for this extraordinary species and the fragile ecosystem of the Great Barrier Reef.