TurtleCare Sunshine Coast

TurtleCare Sunshine Coast is a community-based citizen science program for the monitoring and protection of nesting marine turtles from Buddina beach to North Bribie Island. The program is coordinated through Sunshine Coast Council, in partnership with the Queensland Government Department of Environment and Science.

The volunteer group that covers Alexandra Headland is coordinated by Coolum and North Shore Coast Care, and is made up of local residents who have access to the nesting beaches between Mooloolaba and Sunshine Beach, and who commit to an ongoing weekly roster for five months over summer.

They invite people of all ages to get involved but please note children under 18 need to sign up with a parent or guardian.

All TurtleCare activities are conducted under Queensland Turtle Conservation Project permits.

What to do if you see a turtle

• please stay at least 20 meters from any turtles on the beach and call the local turtle group on 0478 435 377

• during the nesting process, turtles are easily disturbed by light, noise and movement. Keep clear of her, stay still, wait quietly and don’t use a torch or phone light

• once digging the nest the turtle is still easily disturbed so watch quietly from behind without lights and don't touch her

• torches and lamps can easily disorient hatchlings, hindering their race to the ocean. Keep out of their way, don't shine lights at them or use flash photography and let them naturally make their way to the ocean.