Media release Date: 31st August 2011
THE TURTLES ARE COMING!!!
Kowabunga dudes - the turtles are coming to town! Well, not literally. But turtles will be a hot topic in the Far North during Conservation Week 2011.
Turtle ‘guru’s’ Dan Godoy and Kenneth MacKay are bringing a very special roadshow to our Far North shores that promises to give us all a taste of a turtle’s world. With video clips, photos and turtle tidbits, the show will fascinate and inspire you about these reptilian dinosaurs of the deep.
Organiser, DOC Kaitaia’s Community Relations ranger, Kylie McDowell, says that turtles are often regarded as the ‘poor cousins of the sea’. “Despite the fact we have a population of green turtles right here in Rangaunu harbour, and frequently get other types of turtles coming ashore on our beaches, many people don’t even realise we have turtles,” says Kylie. “
And life can be hard enough as it is for some species of turtles. For example the hawkesbill doesn’t mature until it’s thirty year old. With a lifespan of 70-80, it’s practically middle-aged before it gets a mate!”
A highlight of the roadshow will be an update on ‘Reeves’; a green turtle released in Parengarenga harbour in 2006 after a stint of rehabilitation at Kelly Tarleton’s. Fitted with a satellite tag, Reeves caused much amusement when, upon his release, he immediately headed back down the coast to Kelly Tarleton’s. Perhaps he’d developed a taste for city life!
Heading ‘Team Turtle’ is Dan Godoy, a marine biologist with ten years experience in marine conservation and advocacy. Dan is currently doing his PhD on the biology and conservation management of the green turtle in New Zealand with the Coastal-Marine Research Group at Massey University. As part of his research he collects marine turtle sighting and stranding data. He also satellite tracks rehabilitated green turtles, working closely with the Department of Conservation, Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium and local communities. In collaboration with visiting scientist Dr. Kenneth MacKay, Dan says he is keen to engage local communities in the plight of critically endangered leatherback turtles. “We are encouraging communities to report marine turtle sightings as most sightings come from the public. And continued community support and sighting data will lead to better conservation management for these endearing turtles,” says Dan.
Despite turtles having flippers and a liking for marine life, recent arrivals on Far North beaches have been known to fly. Over the past two months two hawkesbills and one green turtle have come ashore along Ninety Mile beach, dehydrated and in need of some TLC. And the Kaitaia Airport team have been at the forefront of their recue. Serge, Darren, and Susan have been providing free flights to Auckland and ‘journey buddies’ for injured turtles, where Kelly Tarelton’s staff have been on-hand to transport the turtles into rehabilitation tanks for medical treatment and care. Sadly one turtle died but Kylie says reports so far for the other two are very encouraging. “Apparently the hawkesbill has become quite energetic around feeding time, requiring handlers to be quick witted to keep their fingers intact!” says Kylie.
‘Ken and Dan’s Excellent Adventures - a turtle’s view of the world’ will be touring the Far North during Conservation Week 2011.
Venues are:
14th September; Ahipara School at 10am,
Te Ahu little theatre (Kaitaia) at 6pm.
15th; Te Kao school at 9am,
Te Hapua School at 1pm,
Rangiputa Fire Station at 7pm.
16th; Houhora Big Game and Sportfishing Club at 7pm.
For more information contact DOC Kaitaia on 09 408 6014
or visit Facebook/DOC-Far North.
Contacts Kylie McDowell
Community Relations Ranger,
Department of Conservation Kaitaia 09 408 6014
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