Project 2.1 'Marine turtles and dugongs of the Torres Strait'

Led by: Professor Helene Marsh, James Cook University

Led by: Dr. Mark Hamann, James Cook University

Project 2.1 will use monitoring, genetics, state-of-the-art tracking and remote sensing to develop, (a) an understanding of the status of marine turtles, (b) a detailed understanding of turtle and dugong spatial ecology, plus the threats to these populations, and (c) dugong population assessments. The project will both improve stakeholder understanding, capacity and skills to better manage priority species and provide valuable data that is useable and understandable to those making decisions regarding turtle and dugongs. The project aims to enhance the ability of Government and community to manage these threatened species, and also add value to the evolving Dugong and Turtle Management Plans and the Torres Strait Land and Sea Ranger Program.

Project objectives at a glance

Determine the status of green turtles in Torres Strait – sex ratios, patterns of juvenile recruitment, nesting success and hatchling production.
Determine the status of hawksbill and flatback turtles in Torres Strait.
Use genetic markers and satellite tracking to understanding population connectivity of dugong and green turtles in Torres Strait in relation to protected areas and communicate based management areas.
Determine if there are seasonal differences in the relative abundance of dugongs in western Torres Strait, especially the Dugong Sanctuary.
Determine the importance of western Torres Strait as habitat for green turtles.

Specific objectives and intended outputs of this Project are detailed in the NERP TE Hub Multi-Year Research Plan.

Final Reports

Flatback turtles of Torres Strait

Nesting green turtles of Torres Strait

Project Factsheet Project Factsheet for the Torres Strait community

Technical Report

An assessment of the distribution and abundance of dugongs in the Northern Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait