Turtles Hatch on Green Island

With several turtles recently nesting on Green Island, it was a wonderful sight when around 100 young hatchlings, believed to be Green Turtles, emerged from their nests to scramble towards the water’s edge.
Some of Green Island Resort’s guests were thrilled to witness the spectacle during the guided evening nature walk.

Sue O’Donnell, Green Island Resort, Rooms Division Manager also witnessed the event and exclaimed, “It was totally awesome and would have to be one of the 10 best things I have experienced in my life. We lost count of the little turtles but we think there were at least 100 or more running for the water. House guests and staff alike were thrilled and the ‘oohs and ahhs’ heard all round just showed the delight of everyone seeing this very special occasion on Green Island”.

Quicksilver Group Environment & Compliance Manager Doug Baird said several other nests were also located on the island this season, and it is believed to be the first time in about six years that turtles have nested on the island.

“As soon as the eggs hatch, usually at night time, the young turtles will scramble madly to the water’s edge, hoping to gain safety.

“The interesting thing is that the temperature of the surrounding sand will determine the sex of the offspring. Cooler sand produces male turtles, while warmer sand produces females. This is nature’s way of ensuring that there are both viable male and females in the population.”

Green Turtles can lay up to 100 eggs at a time, which will incubate for up to 3 months. Several weeks after mating, the females will drag their bodies ashore to dig a hole in the sand above the high water mark to lay their leathery eggs. After the eggs are covered, she will have no further contact with her offspring.

The Great Barrier Reef is home to six of the world’s seven marine turtles and it is estimated that some species, such as the Green Turtle, can live for up to 100 years.

Green Turtles are predominantly herbivores and are often spotted grazing amongst Green Island’s significant seagrass habitat.