Cassowary Coast shorebird and sea turtle watch

Shorebirds and sea turtles face increasing pressures along the coast, including:

• disturbance at nesting sites
• changing coastal conditions
• extreme weather events
• natural disasters
• impacts from human activity

Consistent monitoring helps improve understanding of where species are nesting, what threats are present, and where protection efforts may be needed.

Information collected through the program will support:

• better protection of nesting sites
• improved coastal management decisions
• stronger long-term conservation outcomes
• coordinated monitoring across the Cassowary Coast 

Anyone with an interest in coastal conservation is encouraged to register.

No prior experience is required, and training and resources will be provided.

People with experience in:

• wildlife monitoring
• shorebirds or sea turtles
• coastal conservation
• community volunteering

are also encouraged to participate.

The program will bring together volunteers, Traditional Owners, rangers, Council staff, and partner organisations to build a coordinated local monitoring network.

Volunteers may assist by:

• observing shorebird and sea turtle nesting activity
• identifying signs of turtle activity, including tracks, nests, body pits, and disturbance
• recognising shorebird behaviour, breeding activity, and habitat use
• recording and reporting observations consistently
• helping improve local understanding of species presence and distribution
• supporting protection of nesting sites through accurate information collection

Important

The program focuses on observation and reporting only.

Volunteers will not be expected to handle wildlife or manage nests.

Training will be tailored to suit different experience levels.

Sea turtle training may include:

• identifying signs of turtle activity
• understanding nesting and hatching processes
• recognising key turtle species
• following protocols that minimise disturbance to turtles and nests

Shorebird training may include:

• identifying key shorebird species, including threatened species such as little terns
• understanding nesting behaviour and habitat use
• recognising breeding activity and disturbance
• applying appropriate monitoring techniques

Resources and guidance will be provided to help volunteers collect information safely and consistently.