Hi everyone, welcome to this season’s turtle research work at Gnaraloo!

The Gnaraloo turtle research team for 2010/11 consists of Matt Boureau, a marine biologist from France, Marie Duffy, a zoologist from Ireland and Mark Wall, a final year student of marine science and environmental management at Murdoch University in Western Australia.

I am currently in Geraldton to develop the new community conservation volunteer component of the Gnaraloo research program that we are introducing this year, under the supervision of Karen Hattingh, Gnaraloo’s Environmental Advisor. Such volunteers will assist with daily track monitoring and data collection by Gnaraloo’s scientific researchers during 15 November 2010 – 28 February 2010 (for part periods). We’re hoping that this will be an opportunity to increase public awareness of the threats facing sea turtles, the fragile and diverse marine ecosystem at Gnaraloo, and of the importance of conservation efforts already underway.

Matt and I have both participated in turtle conservation projects before and have worked with Leatherbacks (Dermochelys coriacea), Hawksbills (Eretmochelys imbricata), Greens (Chelonia mydas) and Olive Ridleys (Lepidochelys olivacea). This photo is of a colleague and I with a nesting Leatherback, which may grow up to 3m in length! Mark is familiar with the Ningaloo area, having previously worked on a coastal research project that investigated camper resource consumption and values, and has also participated with tracking projects of whale sharks in the Philippines.

This year, the Gnaraloo research team won’t be undertaking night survey work as this will carried out by turtle researchers from the University of West Australia who will investigate the effects of climate change on sex ratio determination of hatchlings (i.e. how many female vs male turtles are hatching). Scientists from James Cook University in Queensland will also investigate climate change impacts on the Gnaraloo sea turtles by looking at factors that influence nest site selection by females. Community volunteers will be able to participate and assist with the various research projects, from time to time. As you can see, we’re introducing many new aspects to the Gnaraloo Turtle Conservation Program this year and all very excited to be part of these positive developments!

I will soon be leaving for Exmouth, where I will undergo formal training in Western Australian track monitoring protocols and data management procedures by the Department of Environment and Conservation. I’ll then be meeting Matt in Carnarvon, from where we’ll travel to Gnaraloo together. Matt and Mark will undergo training later during November, prior to Mark’s arrival at Gnaraloo. Check back on us to see how our work at Gnaraloo is progressing!!

Cheers, Marie October 2010.