Coral Sea Turtle Survey 2022-23

Summary

This report outlines the findings of the 2022-2023 turtle count conducted within the Coral Sea Marine Park.

For the purpose of this survey, an aircraft was used as the primary means of observation, and track counting occurred on the low tide the morning after a midnight high tide.

The capture window was at the peak of the bell curve for the laying season (based on research by Dr Ian Bell). This capture methodology allowed researchers to conduct an aerial examination of turtle activities spread across 44 islands located within the Coral Sea Marine Park.

By implementing a dual capture methodology, the survey team was able to record a total of 66 individual captures.