Tiny turtles saved (Alan Lander)

THE DAILY (Maroochydore, Australia) 17 April 08 Tiny turtles saved (Alan Lander)

The discovery of a damaged nest of turtle hatchlings on the weekend has prompted a major rescue effort.
Caloundra Turtle Group (CTC), the Turtle Care Conservation Group and Australia Zoo’s Wildlife Rescue all played a part in the release of 40 turtles into the ocean, with another 19 treated for dehydration.
CTC’s Dot Crane said after a call from a local, hatchlings were found near Beach Access 49 at Wurtulla beach about 7am last Friday.
“One hatchling only had emerged and made a very slow trip to the ocean (edge),” Ms Crane said.
“We knew there were problems.”
Normally rescue workers do not interfere in a nest, but this one had been compacted, she said.
“We’re careful we don’t get people’s hackles up by unnecessary interfering,” Ms Crane said.
But in this case the nest had been built on a busy walkway with the compacting preventing most hatchlings leaving it.
Australia Zoo rescue spokeswoman Kate Winter said many turtles were found dead in the nest and other eggs were undeveloped.
“A total of 40 were released on Saturday (with) a further 19 taken to the Australian Wildlife Hospital and treated for dehydration,” she said.
The hatchlings are generally believed to have about a one-in-1000 chance of survival to maturity, as the eggs are not only sought out by predators, the little hatchlings, usually about 5cm long, have to cross the big expanse of beach to make it to the water, where they must contend with further marine predators.
Turtle Care Conservation Group spokeswoman Julie O’Connor said about 70 volunteers roster to help make sure the mother turtles can lay their eggs in safety and hatchlings have some chance of survival.
She said people can call two numbers to report any turtle sightings.
“You can report and injured or stranded turtle by calling the hotline on 1300 130 372,” Ms O’Connor said.
“The number will initially go through to the Environment Protection Authority, then to Australia Zoo’s wildlife hospital.
“Nest sightings or hatchlings should be reported to 0437 559 067.”
Ms Crane said signs would soon be erected advising the public on the right numbers and to make clear beach access numbers.
“(Often) people don’t know beach access numbers, which are about 300 to 400metres apart on southern beaches, at each access point,” she said.
Considered to be endangered, the loggerhead turtle nests at beaches all along the Sunshine Coast, from Caloundra north.
The turtle egg-laying season is from November to January and the hatching season starts in February, lasting to the end of April.\
http://www.thedaily.com.au/news/2008/apr/17/major-rescue-effort/