Port Macquarie turtle nest of more than 100 eggs examined by NSW TurtleWatch program volunteers

The nest of more than 100 eggs was examined by NSW TurtleWatch program volunteers after reports of fox disturbance at the North Shore site in late February.

TurtleWatch is an initiative of the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment's Saving our Species Program with Australian Seabird Rescue. Volunteers collect data on marine turtle nesting in NSW.

NSW TurtleWatch project officer Holly West said vulnerable Green Turtles and endangered Loggerhead Turtles will be hatching on north coast beaches until May.

"When we see those indications of hatchlings emerging from the nest, it's an exhilarating feeling to think another lot of hatchlings have made it to the ocean," she said.

"We did have some fears for the Port Macquarie nest after evidence of fox disturbance, but National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) rangers undertook some preventative measures including installing predator mesh to deter digging.

"The Port Macquarie inventory revealed over 90 per cent of hatchlings from more than 100 eggs made their way to the ocean.

"Fifteen live hatchlings were uncovered during the excavation and released after sunset."

The nest was laid during December last year and a nest inventory assessment was conducted to collect monitoring and conservation information.

"Our volunteers are like expectant parents at this time of year, eagerly awaiting signs our efforts have paid off," said Ms West.

"This has been a great start for the NSW coast turtle hatching season and our volunteers stand watch over another seven nests in the Tweed, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie areas.

"While we try to intervene as little as possible, we have worked with NPWS and council staff to give two nests a helping hand this year.

"One green turtle laid eggs on Manly Beach and we have relocated all 144 eggs from this nest to the Coffs Coast as they would not have survived in Manly due to the cool temperatures experienced there.

"Another nest laid on the Tweed Coast over the Australia Day weekend had to be relocated as it was laid below the high tide line.

"Fingers crossed we get some successful hatchlings from these and all of our other nests."

Members of the public are encouraged to keep beaches free from marine debris and keep lights low while walking the beach at night.

Australian Seabird Rescue can be contacted on 02 6686 2852 to report sightings of hatchlings.

For more information about NSW TurtleWatch Program e-mail turtlewatchnsw@gmail.com or visit NSW TurtleWatch.

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