Through the TurtleWatch Gold Coast program, we are committed to the long-term conservation of endangered sea turtle populations by engaging over 1,000 volunteers each nesting season. These dedicated volunteers survey beaches every morning during the nesting period, ensuring that newly laid nests are promptly identified and reported. This consistent presence is crucial as it allows ...
Watergum Community
TurtleWatch Gold Coast
GOAL
$15,000
Australia > QLD > Metro and Regional
Field of Interest
- Environment conservation and climate change
Target Population
- Flora / fauna
- General population
Watergum Community
Watergum Community is an environmental not-for-profit based on the Gold Coast, Queensland. We are dedicated to conserving Australia’s unique wildlife and ecosystems through science-based, community-led programs.
Just as our natural environment is varied, from pristine beaches to rugged hinterland valleys, we have a diverse range of key activities. This ensures we can better meet the needs of our community and improve our environment. We provide Citizen Science programs centred on protecting iconic Australian wildlife, like the elusive platypus, threatened sea turtle and koala populations, and gentle docile dugongs. One of our most wide-reaching initiatives is the Cane Toad Challenge, a national program which mobilises large-scale community-level cane toad control.
With almost 10,000 volunteers on the ground annually, our community is our driving force. We strongly believe the simple act of a person getting involved in nature opens the door to understanding. By sparking an interest in one person to learn about their local environment and take personal action to care for it, they become our advocate and inspire others. Just one person can create a ripple effect that leads to broad-scale community impact and cultural change. This is at the heart of what we do, providing multiple and accessible avenues for community to become involved in meaningful environmental conservation efforts.
Please reach out to [email protected] to learn more about our programs and how you may support us.
Project Summary
Through the TurtleWatch Gold Coast program, we are committed to the long-term conservation of endangered sea turtle populations by engaging over 1,000 volunteers each nesting season. These dedicated volunteers survey beaches every morning during the nesting period, ensuring that newly laid nests are promptly identified and reported. This consistent presence is crucial as it allows Watergum Community and Sea World Foundation team members with turtle nest relocation training to respond quickly, monitor the nests, relocate them when necessary and assist hatchlings on their journey to the ocean.
In addition to nest monitoring, we are spearheading efforts to reduce light pollution, a major threat to hatchling survival. With further funding, we aim to expand these initiatives, enhance public awareness and grow our volunteer network to ensure daily beach coverage continues. This community-driven approach is essential to improving hatchling survival rates and supporting the recovery of vulnerable sea turtle populations.
Project Outcomes
We are aiming to achieve the long-term survival of endangered sea turtles on the Gold Coast.
We are aiming to increase the long-term survival of endangered sea turtle populations on the Gold Coast by making our beaches safer and more supportive nesting environments. This includes expanding our capacity to respond to nests through the training and accreditation of additional team members in turtle nest relocation, as Watergum Community currently only has one active accredited staff member. This builds our capacity to respond to turtle nests 24/7, reduces response time and better supports our large volunteer network in the field.
In light of recent coastal erosion following Cyclone Alfred and warmer ocean temperatures leading to increased nesting activity in southern Queensland, we are also prioritising beach restoration and artificial light reduction projects. These initiatives are critical to making our beaches more turtle-friendly and ensuring hatchlings can safely navigate to the ocean.
Success will be measured through several indicators: an increase in the number of trained and accredited nest relocation staff within Watergum Community; consistent daily beach coverage by volunteers throughout nesting season, an increase in the number of nests and reduction in the number of 'false crawls' (this means a sea turtle has come to the beach to nest but she didn't find the conditions suitable and she left); engage and build partnerships with more organisations to reduce beach-front artificial lighting and participate in and habitat restoration initiatives, like beach plantings and clean ups.
Budget Breakdown
TOTAL BUDGET: $45,000
FUNDING
| Funding source | Amount |
|---|---|
| City of Gold Coast Community Partnerships Funds | $23,421 |
EXPENSES
| Expense item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Turtle accreditation training for two more team members (wages, mileage, accommodation) | $11,000 |
| Staff wages during turtle nesting season | $22,000 |
| Engagement to volunteers | $12,000 |
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