Raine Island adaptive management to conserve marine turtles

Abstract

Raine Island is an important green turtle rookery. Green turtles are threatened and climate change is likely to place further stress on this species. Potential actions to reduce current threats to the population were explored through collaboration between the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA), Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) and Traditional Owners. Installation of fencing on Raine Island was identified as a cost effective high riority management action. Fencing was trialled at specific areas known to be treacherous for nesting marine turtles. The nesting season following installation saw significant reductions in turtle fatalities on previous seasons.