Turtle lovers are sought on Saturday 2 February to clean up the beaches and pave the way for the soon to arrive hatchlings.
Sunshine Coast Council’s TurtleCare program, SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast and Reef Check Australia are uniting for the clean up and hope to match last year’s efforts which brought together 300 volunteers who cleared away 800kg of debris.
Councillor Jenny McKay said removing the debris which the turtles may otherwise mistake for food would give the hundreds of hatchlings due to emerge over the coming weeks the best chance of survival.
“Each year, marine debris injures and kills thousands of marine animals, including sea turtles,” she said.
“With the majority of collected marine debris originating from the land, this is a good reminder to the community to say no to plastic packaging, take their rubbish home, or even pick up litter when they see it.”
Reef Check Australia snorkel volunteers will assist with in-water clean-up activities in key marine debris hot spots.
Clean-up locations are spread across several Sunshine Coast beaches from Caloundra to Coolum.
Sign on is from 6am with the clean-up lasting until about 7.30am.
A complimentary BBQ breakfast for all participants will be served at 8am at the marine debris weigh in station at La Balsa Park in Buddina.
Register your attendance at events.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
