Ichthys Gas Field Development - Marine Turtle Studies.

The aims of the marine turtle baseline studies are to describe the behaviour and distribution of marine turtles and their favoured nesting beaches around the Maret Islands and in the broader West Kimberley region.ObjectivesThe objectives of the turtle population studies are to:- Determine the genetic affinities of the breeding population of green and flatback turtles on the Maret Islands;- Identify critical marine turtle habitats (aggregation and nesting areas) in the vicinity of the proposed development;- Determine the relative importance of habitats on the Maret Islands in comparison with surrounding areas of the West Kimberley region;- Quantify the usage of the Maret Islands by nesting marine turtles; and - Assess the potential lighting impacts on turtles from the proposed development on the Maret Islands. Studies have been conducted over 2 nesting seasons (2006/7 and 2007/8). Satellite tags were affixed to both green and flatback turtles.