A recycling initiative at South32's Cannington mine is helping a collaborative research project to protect Queensland's endangered hawksbill turtles.
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South32 Cannington has teamed up with Reef HQ Volunteers Association, researchers from James Cook University, and the Queensland Government to track the movements of a hawksbill turtle - providing important new data to inform conservation measures for the species.
The hawksbill turtle being tracked by researchers is an adult female nicknamed 'Cannington'.
A satellite tracking device was attached to the turtle in late January by researchers on Milman Island, a small sandy cay and important nesting area in the Great Barrier reef's far north. Since tracking began, 'Cannington' has been observed moving steadily south off Cape York, towards Temple Bay, and can be viewed via the link below.
South32 Cannington's workforce helped pay for the satellite tracking device by collecting recyclable drinks containers as part of the Queensland Government's 'Containers for Change' scheme with the proceeds donated to Reef HQ Volunteers Association who identified the opportunity to purchase the tracker and support the research project.
South32 Cannington Vice President Operations Joe Russell said: "Marine debris is one of the threats facing hawksbill turtles, so I'm pleased our recycling efforts at Cannington are helping to fund this excellent conservation project."
Tracey Street, President of Reef HQ Volunteers Association said: "The Reef HQ Volunteers Association are proud to be a part of this project and to help facilitate the connection between Cannington Mine and James Cook University and help on-going research of these ancient marine reptiles. This project helps our Association achieve its overall goal of 'Inspiring all to care for the Great Barrier Reef'."
Research lead Dr Ian Bell, from the Queensland Department of Environment and Science, said: "Hawksbill turtles have been hunted almost to extinction for their beautiful tortoiseshell to make jewellery and they are now listed as endangered under Queensland conservation legislation. We need to try and understand where they go to feed so we can put in place the best conservation management strategies possible."
Associate Professor Mark Hamann, from James Cook University, said: "Tracking the turtles is important because once we know where they live and the types of habitats they need, we can ensure those places are protected.
"Tracking the turtles during migration to their home foraging sites also lets us know how much space they use so we can make sure the protected areas are the right size, and in the right areas to reduce threats."
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Derek Barry
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
