As the 2025–26 turtle nesting season begins across the Great Barrier Reef, new results from the world’s largest green turtle rookery are offering fresh hope for this threatened species.
In an Australia first at this scale, more than 3,000 green turtle eggs were successfully relocated last summer from Raine Island to Sir Charles Hardy Islands (Wuthathi National Park (CYPAL)) as part of the Raine Island Recovery Project—to see if lower sand temperatures could improve hatching outcomes.
The sex of baby green turtles is determined by nest temperature. Climate change has caused sand at Raine Island to become too warm for male hatchlings to develop, leading to a shortage of juvenile males in the northern Great Barrier Reef.
Around 70% of the relocated eggs hatched successfully in February 2025, a similar result to nests left undisturbed on Raine Island. While most hatchlings were still likely female, the success of this first relocation trial paves the way for new cooling techniques. Temporary shade structures will be trialled this nesting season to help produce more males.
This project is a collaboration between the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, the Wuthathi and Meriam Nation peoples, and project partners. The project is improving the condition of Raine Island and supporting the turtles and seabirds that depend on it for nesting. It is part of the Reef Joint Field Management Program.
Quote attributable to Wuthathi Elder, Johnson Chippendale: "Raine Island (Thukuruu) is highly significant culturally to Wuthathi people, the reef systems, seas and all the species surrounding. We are proud to be partners in the project, involved in on grounds works including the egg relocation works, aimed at increasing the number of female green turtles’ combating climate change with traditional and scientific knowledge combined.”
Quote attributable to Jimmy Gela, Chairman of Erub, part of Meriam Nation (Erub, Mer, Ugar and Masig): “The green turtle holds deep cultural significance for the Meriam Nation of the communities of Ugar, Mer, Erub and Masig. We are proud to be part of this important work to protect their future. This successful relocation trial demonstrates the power of collaboration between Traditional Owners, government, and scientists in responding to climate challenges. We look forward to continuing our efforts to safeguard this vital species for future generations.”
Quote attributable to Katharine Robertson, Raine Island Recovery Project Manager, QPWS: “Every egg moved is a step toward securing the future of green turtles on Raine Island. The relocation work, led by Traditional Owner rangers and our field teams, shows what’s possible when science and culture come together. While the hatchlings were still mostly female this season, the strong hatching success gives us confidence to trial new methods to cool nests next summer. This project is about innovation, persistence and giving these turtles the best possible chance.”
Quote attributable to Mark Read, Field Management Strategy Director, Reef Authority: “Raine Island is the most important green turtle rookery in the world, and what happens here matters for the species across the entire Great Barrier Reef and beyond. Green turtles face enormous pressures from climate change, and projects like this are critical in giving them a fighting chance. By working closely with Traditional Owners and our Queensland partners, we’re tackling these challenges head-on to protect one of the Reef’s most iconic species for generations to come.”
This $3.5 million project is funded through the Australian Government’s Saving Native Species program to secure the long-term viability of green turtles that nest on Raine Island, a priority place under the Australian Government’s Threatened Species Action Plan.
Learn more about the Raine Island Recovery Project: www.parks.qld.gov.au/raineisland
With nesting season now underway right across the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, the Reef Authority and QPWS are reminding visitors to follow responsible practices around turtles. Stay at least two metres behind nesting turtles, keep still and quiet, minimise light and never shine torches or take flash photos when turtles are coming ashore or returning to the sea. Always keep beaches clear of obstacles and watch where you step to avoid disturbing nests or hatchlings. Learn more on the Reef Authority’s around turtles page: www.reefauthority.gov.au/visit/responsible-reef-practices/around-turtles
View or download egg relocation photos and vision here: https://brandfolder.com/s/3mtkqt9mnh75qvs7g47xb9x4
ENDS …
Contact:
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority | (07) 4750 0846 | media@gbrmpa.gov.au
Department of the Environment, Science, Tourism and Innovation
(07) 3339 5831 | media@des.qld.gov.au