Wildlife conservation

Saving endangered species on remote island sanctuary.

#The problem

For over 30 years, scientists watched the decline of the northern Great Barrier Reef’s green turtle population. Nests were flooded, with eggs drowning and fewer hatchlings emerging from those nests that survived the tides. Turtles returned to the sea exhausted, unable to find a safe nesting place. Thousands perished – falling victim to treacherous cliff falls, getting trapped in rocks or expiring from sheer heat exhaustion on the sand.

Without help, the outlook was bleak.

And not just for the turtles.

Raine Island is also home to the most important seabird nursery in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage area. It’s one of only two Reef islands where the endangered and rarely-sighted Red-tailed tropicbird nests.

Many other Reef animals also rely on this tiny remote island. A decline in any one species can have a devastating effect on this delicate ecosystem.

#The project

Right now, we’re working to save the endangered green turtle by restoring the world’s largest green turtle nesting area on Raine Island.

Through our world-leading Raine Island Recovery Project, we’re bringing together Traditional Owners, science, government and business – a unique collaboration to ensure a future for the Reef’s green turtles.

Raine Island’s Traditional Owners the Wuthathi Nation and Meriam Nation (Ugar, Mer, Erub), Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and BHP are working with us to restore the island’s vital ecosystem.