Slow down for dugong and turtles in Whitsundays

by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service on 9 Jan 2008 Boaties out enjoying Queensland waters during the holidays are urged to slow down through dugong and turtle habitat in the Whitsundays.

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) District Manager Damien Head said increased boat traffic during the summer holidays was a potential threat to marine wildlife, in particular turtles and dugong.

'These are air-breathing marine animals and they’re often injured or killed by speeding vessels when coming up for air, especially in and near sea grass beds,' Mr Head said.

'But if boaties ‘go slow for those below’ it gives turtles and dugongs a chance to get out of the way,' he said.

'All six marine turtles found along the Queensland coast are listed as endangered or vulnerable.

'The very few sea turtles that make it into adulthood don’t breed until they are at least 30 years old.

'Dugong are also slow breeders with a calving interval of three to seven years, and a gestation period of 13–15 months.

'Slow down, and give these animals an extra ten minutes of your day,' he said.

Boaties can help to protect these majestic mariners by:

- watching out for them and taking extra care in known habitats such as sea grass beds; and

- sticking to recommended speed limits in other areas.

Reports of stranded or dead marine wildlife should be made to the Environmental Protection Agency Hotline on 1300 130 372.

http://www.epa.qld.gov.au