Flatback turtles still call Australia home

July 2024

Scientists studying flatback turtles have worked together to understand the movements of this unique Australian turtle while at sea, and by doing so have created one of the biggest satellite tracking datasets for marine species in the world. Flatback turtles are endemic to northern Australia (meaning they only nest on Australian beaches), but prior to this study little was known about where they travel when they are away from the shore. 

To achieve this goal, scientists placed satellite trackers on 280 flatback turtles and tracked their movement over a 15-year period. The results show that flatbacks spend 99.5% of their time in Australian waters, migrating hundreds of kilometres between their nesting beaches and foraging grounds. The data has been used to determine where flatback nesting, migration, and foraging areas are protected by existing marine reserves or could be protected by new ones. 

This research highlights the value of collaboration and will help conservationists make informed decisions about the protection of key marine habitats to ensure a safe future for our flatbacks, who call Australia home. Thank you to all organisations involved in this research alongside the North West Shelf Flatback Turtle Conservation Program: Pendoley Environmental, Australian Institute of Marine Science, Biomaths Consulting, Rio Tinto, and Conservation Volunteers Australia.

Photo - DBCA