Green turtles are listed as ‘Vulnerable’ under the national (Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999). The main threats are pollution and changes to important turtle habitats, especially coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangrove forests and nesting beaches. This 15-day scientific monitoring program aims to locate nesting green turtles at night on the beach at Smith Point, to determine the number of nesting turtles and how dispersed is this genetic population.  The program was established in 2007 in partnership between Conservation Volunteers Australia and the Marine Biodiversity Group of the Northern Territory Government.

Situated on the western tip of Arnhem Land, Cobourg Peninsula is a remote coastal location, which features sandy beaches, coastal grasslands, mangroves, rainforest patches, swamps, lagoons, coral reefs and seas grass meadows.  Adhering to animal handling protocols, each night participants will undertake beach patrols, walking repeated lengths of the 1.3km beach looking for nesting turtles. Data regarding the turtle and nesting process is recorded, flipper tags inserted and a DNA sample taken. In 2008, the project satellite tagged two turtles to track migratory movements from beach to beach when nesting and further afield to foraging and breeding grounds. This tracking information is available for public viewing on the internet.

For more information on tracking green sea turtle from Cobourg Peninsula click here. To view the map tracking the turtles movements, please click here.

For more information on the Marine Turtle Recovery Plan in Australia click here

Cobourg Peninsula: is 650 kilometers north of Darwin in the Northern Territory.  Travel from Darwin is a long one day drive and vehicle transportation is provided in CVA’s air conditioned all terrain 4wd vehicle with forward facing seats. 

Accommodation: This is a remote project and accommodation is basic camping with pit toilets and cold showers. Tents provided, however if you prefer your own tent please bring it with you. You will need to provide a sleeping bag and mat.  

Group size: This program is limited to 10 people

Programs

New South Wales

• Montague Island Nature Reserve

Tasmania

• Day with the Devils
• Bruny Island
• Tasmania Experience

Victoria

• Autumn Mammal Monitoring Grampians National Park
• Mammal Monitoring Grampians National Park
• Great Ocean Conservation Walk
• Wilsons Promontory Small Mammal Monitoring

South Australia

• Research Expedition Kangaroo Island
• Discovery Weekend Kangaroo Island

Queensland

• Encounter Cape York
• Cape York Turtle Rescue

Australian Capital Territory

• Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve

Northern Territory

• Cobourg Peninsula - Arhnem Land
• Sea Turtle Monitoring

Western Australia

• Eco Beach Turtle Monitoring

Eco Weekends

• Eumundi, Sunshine Coast
• Lake Paluma, Townsville
• Brookfield Conservation Park, SA
• Fortescue Bay, Tasmania
• Bungonia, ACT
• Walkabout Wildlife Park, Newcastle
• Kangaroo Valley, NSW
• Sydney Harbour National Park, NSW
• Inverloch, Victoria
• Discovery Weekend Kangaroo Island

AustraLearn Volunteer Program 2010

• AustraLearn Volunteer Camps