As the 2025–26 turtle nesting season begins across the Great Barrier Reef, new results from the world's largest green turtle rookery are offering fresh hope for this threatened species.
In an Australian first at this scale, more than 3,000 green turtle eggs were successfully relocated last summer from Raine Island to Sir Charles Hardy Islands (Wuthathi National Park (CYPAL)) to test whether large numbers of turtle eggs can be moved in remote locations to achieve better hatching outcomes.
While Raine Island is the world's largest green turtle rookery, its nesting beach can be inundated during high tides—drowning eggs when nests are submerged for long periods. Beach reprofiling at the island has been highly successful in mitigating this threat, however risks remain under projected sea level rise. In addition, climate change has caused sand at Raine Island to become too warm for male hatchlings to develop. The sex of baby green turtles is determined by nest temperature—leading to a shortage of juvenile males in the northern Great Barrier Reef.
The 70% hatching rate at the Sir Charles Hardy Islands showed relocation was a viable method. The trial sets the stage for new cooling techniques aimed at producing more males. Building on this success, a second egg relocation trip has just returned, transferring 50 clutches of eggs. Shade structures have been installed over the relocated nests to lower sand temperatures and boost male hatchling production.
This trial is part of the Raine Island Recovery Project—a collaboration between the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation), the Wuthathi and Meriam Nation peoples, and project partners. The project is part of the Reef Joint Field Management Program.
This $3.5 million egg relocation project is funded through the Australian Government's Saving Native Species program to secure the long-term viability of green turtles that nest on Raine Island, a priority place under the Australian Government's Threatened Species Action Plan.
Quote attributable to Wuthathi Elder, Johnson Chippendale: "Raine Island (Thukuruu) is highly significant culturally to Wuthathi people, the reef systems, seas and all the species surrounding. We are proud to be partners in the project, involved in on grounds works including the egg relocation works, aimed at increasing the number of green turtles' combating climate change with traditional and scientific knowledge combined."
Quote attributable to Jimmy Gela, Chairman of Erub, part of Meriam Nation (Erub, Mer, Ugar and Masig): "The green turtle holds deep cultural significance for the Meriam Nation of the communities of Ugar, Mer, Erub and Masig. We are proud to be part of this important work to protect their future. This successful relocation trial demonstrates the power of collaboration between Traditional Owners, government, and scientists in responding to climate challenges. We look forward to continuing our efforts to safeguard this vital species for future generations."
Quote attributable to Dr Fiona Fraser, the Australian Government Threatened Species Commissioner: "Warming temperatures mean that without intervention species like the green turtle, one of 110 priority species under the Threatened Species Action Plan, are at heightened risk of extinction. The success of this trial means more nests will be relocated this year, giving green turtles in the northern Great Barrier Reef a better chance at long term survival."
Quote attributable to Katharine Robertson, Raine Island Recovery Project Manager, QPWS: "Every egg moved is a step toward securing the future of green turtles on Raine Island. The relocation work, led by Traditional Owner rangers and our field teams, shows what's possible when science and culture come together. While the hatchlings were still mostly female this season, the strong hatching success gives us confidence to trial new methods to cool nests next summer. This project is about innovation, persistence and giving these turtles the best possible chance."
Quote attributable to Dr Mark Read, Field Management Strategy Director, Reef Authority: "Raine Island is the most important green turtle rookery in the world, and what happens here matters for the species across the entire Great Barrier Reef and beyond. Green turtles face enormous pressures from climate change, and projects like this are critical in giving them a fighting chance. By working closely with Traditional Owners and our Queensland partners, we're tackling these challenges head-on to protect one of the Reef's most iconic species for generations to come."
