Gold Coast
Artificial light reduction for Sea Turtle ConservationSince 2020, Watergum Community has mobilised the Gold Coast community to identify, monitor and protect sea turtle nesting sites.
We are leading crucial efforts to reduce artificial light pollution on the Gold Coast, as bright lights can disorient hatchlings and prevent them from reaching the ocean.
Sea turtle use light as an orientation cue. Artificial lighting on beaches can disrupt mature female turtles, causing them to abandon nesting attempts. It can also disorient hatchlings as they emerge from nests. They head towards the artificial light instead of the ocean and become exposed to predators, being trapped in vegetation or even killed on roads.
.We are working with volunteer and local businesses to identify problematic light sources, and implement light-reduction solutions. Palm Beach Surf Club is leading the way by installing turtle-friendly lighting. The Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort has implemented stage 1 reduction efforts, turning bright exterior lighting to face downwards to reduce spread of light pollution.
Reach out to our TurtleWatch GC team via [email protected] to understand how your business can get involved.
TurtleWatch is a collaboration between Watergum and Sea World Foundation, proudly supported by City of Gold Coast’s Catchment and Citizen Science Grants Program
