Science is Fun Fridays!
Green turtles are one of the largest sea turtles and the only herbivore. They eat the seagrasses and algae, which maintains the seabeds and makes them more productive, much like mowing a lawn. The turtles quickly digest this and then release recycled nutrients to many other species.
They are considered endangered - through habitat loss, bycatching, and the illegal harvesting and trade of eggs.
Raine Island in the Great Barrier Reef is the most important Green turtle nesting area. The island is completely protected from the public. It is named for Captain Thomas Raine, who discovered it.
Researchers are using drones to count the number of turtles arriving to Raine Island - they estimate 64,000...
The Raine Island Recovery Project sets out to restore and protect the island, not only for the turtles, but for the seabirds who also nest here.
It is also an extension of protection for the Great Barrier Reef and the cultural heritage of the island for the Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander people.
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