Published on Friday, 19 July 2024 at 9:27:40 AM

The first of the 2023/24 marine turtle surveys took place in late October, the timeframe being identified as the peak nesting period for hawksbill turtles in the Pilbara. Dr Paul Whittock, Principal Scientist at Pendoley Environmental, spent 14 days aboard the “Jilly B” routinely surveying North-East and South-West Regnard Islands, Steamboat Island and beaches to the east of Cape Preston aiming to capture adult track census data to estimate the nesting abundance.

A drone was used to travel at an altitude of 30m above ground level flying along a pre-programmed flight path at each survey location. The results of this survey contribute to Leichhardt’s environmental impact assessment. In early 2024, further surveys will be undertaken for flatback and green turtles, along with hawksbill hatching.

Dr Paul Whittock from Pendoley Environmental operating a drone during the marine turtle survey

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