Flatback Whereabouts Project

Original provider:
Adam Barnett

Dataset credits:
Data provider
DEHP2
Originating data center
<a href='http://www.seaturtle.org/tracking/' target='_blank'>Satellite Tracking and Analysis Tool (STAT)</a>
Project partner
This project is jointly funded by James Cook University and WWF-Australia’s Species Conservation team in conjunction with the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection and partners from the Gudjuda Reference Group, Queens Beach Action Group.

Abstract:
James Cook University, Department of Environment and Heritage Protection, WWF-Australia and their partners are working together to solve the mystery of the flatback turtles’ whereabouts in the northern Great Barrier Reef. At Wunjunga Beach, just south of Townsville in Queensland, scientists are continuing their study to identify the migration pathways, diets and critical foraging habitats of this vulnerable turtle.<br><br>In November 2014, four satellite transmitters were attached to nesting flatback turtles originating from Wunjunga Beach. Another six have been deployed during the 2014-2015 nesting season from the same location.<br><br>Complementary to the information acquired by satellite tracking, stable isotope collection and analysis of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) will assist us to determine the flatbacks’ diet, if there are one or more foraging grounds, and their migration paths.<br><br>Sampling the foraging grounds will also help us to determine flatback habitat type and diet preference.<br><br>There are many studies that show how marine turtles are being adversely affected by environmental change. With so little known about the flatback turtle, it is a priority that we identify their key foraging habitats and monitor their presence at nesting beaches, to gauge their responses to a changing environment.