News
20 April, 2025
Turtles are talk of town
The inaugural Moreton Bay Turtle Symposium is set to take place on May 3 and 4, bringing much-needed attention to the rising number of turtle nests along the Queensland Coast.
With turtle nesting numbers having increased by up to 125 per cent, the symposium will focus on the urgent need for conservation efforts in response to human impacts and climate change.
The event will be hosted by the Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group (ESRAG Moreton Bay), REF Environmental, and Bribie Island Turtle Trackers (BITT).
The symposium will kick off on Saturday, May 3, with a family-friendly event at Queens Beach North, Scarborough.
This location holds historical significance after hatchlings were seen heading the wrong way due to poor lighting back in 2010.
New lighting measures were put in place to avoid such incidents.
From 10 am to 2 pm, the event will feature guest speakers who will share their knowledge about turtles in Moreton Bay and eco-tourism opportunities that benefit the local community.
The day will also include indigenous food tastings, kids’ activities, and plenty of lucky door prizes for attendees.
On Sunday, May 4, the symposium will continue at The Komo Redcliffe, with a nominally ticketed event featuring keynote speaker Professor Col Limpus.
The renowned turtle expert will share his incredible insights, including one about a tagged hatchling from Mon Repos that returned to nest 20 years later.
The event will also include updates on ‘Mrs Mystify’, a popular adult turtle who visits Scarborough regularly, and presentations from marine experts on local conservation efforts.
The symposium will offer critical updates from local researchers, turtle carers, and conservation organizations, all working to protect Moreton Bay’s marine habitats and turtle populations.
With the region’s increasing popularity as a tourist destination, the event serves as a timely reminder of the importance of preserving these incredible creatures for future generations.
Tickets are available via the event’s QR code, and all are encouraged to join in supporting turtle conservation efforts.
