World Turtle Day 2010 celebrated

National Day of action to save our flatbacks

With help from local sculptor Kevin Mayo, locals build and decorate their very own flatback turtle. World Turtle Day, Cairns Esplanade, Sunday, May 23rd 2010.

Environment groups from across northern Australia celebrated World Turtle Day on Sunday, May 23rd in a national day of action to 'Save Our Flatbacks'. 

Communities from across the north joined together to build giant sand Flatback turtles to send a message to Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett to 'Save our Flatbacks' by creating a network of marine sanctuaries across northern Australia.
 
"We had a fantastic World Turtle Day in Cairns with around 30 Mums, Dads and kids joining the Wilderness Society down at the beach near the funship on the Esplanade. Ably directed by local sculptor Kevin Mayo, everyone pitched in to help build and decorate our very own "designer" flatback turtle.

"It was a lot of fun for everyone who came," said Di Horsburgh, Community Campaigner for the Wilderness Society in Cairns.

Mums, dads and kids at the national day of action to protect flatback turtles. World Turtle Day, Cairns Esplanade, Sunday, May 23rd 2010.

"Northern Australia is home to six of the world's seven marine turtle species, including the Flatback which nests exclusively here. Unfortunately, although northern Australia boasts one of the healthiest coastal and marine environments in the world, less than 1% of it is protected".

"We are asking Minister Garrett to create a network of world class marine sanctuaries across northern Australia to protect the Flatbacks and our other marine turtles", continued Ms Horsburgh.

Threats to marine turtles include the expanding oil and gas industries that are destroying rookeries and feeding areas as well as polluting the environment. Predation of eggs by feral pigs and the drowning of turtles in 'ghost' fishing nets are also contributing to the decline of sea turtle populations.

World Turtle Day in Australia was coordinated by the Australian Marine Conservation Society, The Wilderness Society and Environs Kimberley, who are all concerned about the protection of Flatbacks and other marine turtles.

Sign the World Turtle Day cyberaction at amcs.org.au