Standard Presentation 2024 Australian Marine Sciences Association Annual Meeting combined with NZMSS

Integrating Expert Knowledge into a Spatially Explicit Risk Assessment of Green Turtles (Chelonia mydas) in the Northern Territory (#382)

Natalie Robson 1 , Alana Grech 2 , Garnet Hooper 3 , Sam Banks 1 , Carol Palmer 1 , Michele Thums 4
  1. Charles Darwin University, Casurina, NT, Australia
  2. James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
  3. NOPSEMA, Perth, WA, Australia
  4. Australian Institute of Marine Science, Perth, WA, Australia

Green turtles (Chelonia mydas) are an important food resource for indigenous Australians and a species of cultural importance. A lack of ecological knowledge in the North Marine Region makes conducting effective conservation in this area difficult. This study integrates the invaluable expert knowledge of indigenous ranger groups into existing anthropogenic risk models. We compiled existing nesting green turtle satellite tracking data from across Australia, and new data from foraging turtles in the Northern Territory. Spatial analysis of this turtle movement data with anthropogenic threats can identify priority areas and inform conservation management plans. The relative impact of multiple threats on green turtles was evaluated using expert opinion surveys. In this case, the ‘experts’ surveyed are indigenous rangers from nine different regions across the Northern Territory. Results show that during migration, turtles are most at risk from anthropogenic threats between Darwin and the Tiwi Islands. Foraging turtles are most at risk inside Darwin Harbour and the south side of the Tiwi Islands. Early discussions with indigenous ranger groups suggest that the major anthropogenic threats directly impacting turtles are commercial fishing, recreational vessel strikes and plastic pollution. Climate change impacts on important habitats are also a concern.