University of the Sunshine Coast researchers and wildlife rescuers have joined forces as they deal with a large increase in stranded, sick, and deceased marine turtles from recent floods and the discovery of a mystery disorder that is eating away at turtle shells.
A critically ill green sea turtle, nicknamed Timothy, is one of the latest to be rescued by “Turtles in Trouble Rescue”, a new partnership between the University of the Sunshine Coast and marine rescue volunteers. USC Associate Professor of Animal Ecology Kathy Townsend says the marine reptiles are struggling to find food. And it is only going to get worse in coming months.
“Sediment washed out from rivers and creeks during the extreme rain events is smothering seagrass beds in flood-impacted areas along the Queensland and NSW coast, reducing the quality and quantity of the turtles’ primary food source,” Dr Townsend said.
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