NERP TE Project 2.1 - Marine turtles and dugongs of the Torres Strait (JCU)

Project summary

The project is studying the status of threatened marine (green, hawksbill and flatback) turtles and dugongs in the Torres Strait and threats to these populations. The researchers will investigate links between different populations of dugongs and turtles in terms of movement and habitat use. They will also assess the abundance of dugongs in the Torres Strait using aerial surveys.

Dugong

The significance of the GBR for dugongs and turtles was one of the reasons for its World Heritage listing.

© courtesy JCU

Hawksbill turtle

The GBR has a globally significant population of Hawksbill turtles, and through the NERP we aim to improve knowledge of their status.

© courtesy JCU

Why this research is needed

The project will improve stakeholder understanding, capacity and skills to better manage these priority species and provide valuable data that is useable and understandable to those making decisions about turtles and dugongs.

Research-user focus

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. Identified research users include the Torres Strait Regional Authority, the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, the Australian Fisheries Management Authority and the Queensland Government.

Outcomes

• The project should lead to the following outcomes:
• Improved population viability and stability of marine turtles and dugongs.
• Improved stakeholder understanding, capacity and skills to better monitor and manage priority species.
• Improved non-indigenous participants' knowledge of traditional ecological knowledge and cultural aspects of dugong and turtle management.

Reports, Publications and News

For more information see Project 2.1 'Marine turtles and dugongs of the Torres Strait' on the NERP Tropical Ecosystems Hub site.