News Release September 1, 2009
Rescued sea turtles to be set free in Cape Byron Marine park
The juvenile Green sea turtles will be released in the
Cape Byron Marine Park, after being cared for by
the Australian Seabird Rescue organisation in Ballina
A number of rescued sea turtles will be set free in the Cape Byron Marine Park tomorrow morning.
The two eight-year-old Hawksbill turtles and the three juvenile Green turtles have been in care at the Australian Seabird Rescue organisation’s sea-turtle hospital at Ballina for the last few months. Green turtles are listed as vulnerable in NSW and both species are protected.
The manager of the Cape Byron Marine Park Andrew Page said the Hawksbills would be released near Julian Rocks, where it was hoped they may decide to take up residence.
“Julian Rocks is within a sanctuary in the marine park - there’s plenty of food in the area and also other Hawksbills. We’d love the turtles to stay!
“We’re pleased to be able to assist Australian Seabird Rescue, the organisation’s volunteers do such a good job helping out with marine and bird life along the shores of the Cape Byron Marine Park.”
Australian Seabird Rescue’s Rochelle Ferris said the three juvenile Green sea turtles would be released further out in the park where they will be at the mercy of the ocean currents for about the next 25 years.
“They’re the cutest things! They’re 18 months old and 12 centimetres long – these guys or gals, who we’ve named Ursula, Camille and Penelope, were washed up on beaches after the big seas and storms at the end of May.
“Since being in care they have each passed multiple pieces of plastic. They’re now well and gaining weight.
“The two Hawksbill turtles were also found stranded on local beaches about six months ago and have been recovering from an internal parasite infestation,” she said.
Cape Byron Marine Park staff and volunteers from Australian Seabird Rescue will take to the water with the turtles tomorrow morning at The Pass boat ramp, Byron Bay at 9.30am.
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