Go toe Care for Hedland on https://www.bhp.com/sustainability/communities/programs/2024/12/care-for-hedland Walk along Cemetery Beach in Port Hedland between early November and late February, you may come across something you won’t often see at the beach – sea turtles.

Early in the season, you’ll find female flatback turtles of up to 80kg creating their nests. And from mid-December, you’ll witness hundreds of tiny hatchlings making the strenuous journey back to the water.

For over 20 years, the Care for Hedland Environmental Association has spearheaded a turtle monitoring program, focusing on the preservation of the local flatback turtle population, a species that has been nesting in Hedland for thousands of years.

Every November, flatback turtles arrive on the shores of Port Hedland to lay their eggs. Laying an average of 50 eggs (fewer than other sea turtle species) means ensuring as many as possible are able to make it to sea when they hatch the following March.

During nesting season, Operations Manager of Care for Hedland, Kelly Howlett, and a team of dedicated volunteers will gather on the beach at dawn, walking along the sand searching for evidence of turtle activity. This involves tracking whether turtles have successfully nested and, during hatching season, monitoring hatchlings emerging from their nests.

“It’s a wonderful way to start your day,” Kelly says, explaining that the program offers a unique blend of environmental impact and community bonding. The volunteers not only care for the turtles, but often form friendships along the way.

Care for Hedland’s efforts go beyond just conservation though. They aim to deepen the connection between the Port Hedland community and the natural environment. The program engages locals and tourists alike, inviting all to witness the marvel of these ancient reptiles as they nest and hatch.

“What’s unique is they come back to their place of birth. So, they come back to their natal beach for generation after generation. “We have local Aboriginal rock art, the Kariyarra rock art, that shows a continuing linkage of sea turtles and the people of Hedland”, says Kelly, referring to 10,000+ year old Indigenous rock art showing turtles on these very same beaches. But while the rock art portrays the 10,000 year old history, the program plans for, and protects, the future.
Witnessing the turtles for the first time is often an emotional experience. Kelly describes a range of reactions as people see the turtles for the first time.

“People will react in all different ways, from tears to beaming smiles, to skipping, to being really excited. It is truly an amazing natural wonder.”
The turtle season runs from November to February, and Care for Hedland welcomes everyone to join the volunteers at Cemetery Beach to witness and protect the turtles during this critical time. “Come along with the tide, meet the volunteers, and become part of this amazing experience.”

BHP is proud to be Care for Hedland’s principal partner, providing support through essential equipment and resources.

It’s up to all of us to ensure that the natural wonders that make the Pilbara so unique are here for future generations to enjoy. And fortunately, that means that everyone can enjoy it right now and be part of it.

and watch the video.
and go aolso to
https://www.bhp.com/news/articles. for more items.