Call for Citizen Scientists to Monitor Threatened Turtle Species on NSW Beaches
Volunteers are being urged to monitor beaches along the New South Wales coast from Tweed to Batemans Bay and report sightings of turtle nests to TurtleWatch NSW in order to protect endangered sea turtle species. The first sea turtle nest of the 2025 breeding season was recently discovered on the NSW north coast, triggering a rescue effort and a broader campaign to safeguard these species. Eggs found in the nest were relocated to cooler-box incubators to prevent flooding.
Loggerhead turtles, which have very few nesting females remaining in NSW, are classified as endangered, and green turtles are listed as vulnerable. Every egg is considered precious, and TurtleWatch NSW along with dedicated volunteers will continue to protect nests throughout the season. Community involvement is essential, with beachgoers encouraged to become citizen scientists to help with monitoring efforts.
Sea turtles typically nest at night, so it is recommended that morning beachwalks be conducted along the high tide line to spot tracks. Turtle tracks are generally 80 to 100 cm wide and can often be mistaken for tyre marks. Prompt reporting of turtle tracks and nests located in low-lying areas is key to successful protection.
The nesting season runs from November through March along the NSW coastline. In 2025, ex-tropical cyclone Alfred dramatically reshaped the northern NSW coastline, causing significant dune loss and drop-offs that reduced suitable nesting habitat. Prior to the cyclone, the turtle rescue team saved over 1,000 eggs from nine nests, and after hatching, 1,020 hatchlings were released at their original nest sites. The last season saw a record number of 18 nests successfully hatch, highlighting the importance of ongoing vigilance and volunteer support.
