Turtles In Trouble Rescue Inc.
FRASER COAST & SANDY STRAITS
A dedicated group of volunteers committed to rescue & conservation of sea turtles.
Report a Turtle In Trouble
Sea turtle strandings are encouraged to be reported to the Queensland Government Department of Environment, Science & Innovation (DESI), marine animal strandings hotline number on 1300 130 372.
We can also be contacted directly for sea turtle strandings within the Fraser Coast and Sandy Straits regions.
We liaise and work in partnership with DESI with regards to strandings.
IMPORTANT
If you find a stranded, injured, unwell or deceased sea turtle, call one or both of the numbers above ASAP. Do not attempt to return the animal to water. If safe to do so, please record a GPS of the location and take a few photographs. Additional advice can be provided over the phone.
About Us
Turtles In Trouble Rescue Inc.
(TITR) is a not-for-profit Incorporated Association registered with the Office of Fair Trading (Qld) and also a registered charity with the Australian Charities and not-for-profits Commission (ACNC).
We are a group of volunteer marine & citizen scientists and turtle stranding volunteers committed to the rescue, rehabilitation, release and conservation of sea turtles and their marine environment.
We service the Fraser Coast and Great Sandy Straits regions spanning from Burrum Heads in the North to Tinnanbar in the South.
TITR Logo designed in collaboration with Butchulla woman & freelance artist Cheyenne Rashleigh
Mission Statement
To promote the conservation of marine wildlife and the environment with a focus on marine turtle rescues and assisting with rehabilitation and
research.
- Formed in December 2021
- Began with 13 members
- As at December 2023 trained over 90 volunteers
Our Impact
2022
612
CALLOUTS
- 133 turtles rescued & transported to care
- 135 deceased on arrival
- 60,000 klms travelled by volunteers
- 41 turtles rehabilitated & released
2023
520
CALLOUTS
- 122 turtles rescued & transported to care
- 155 deceased on arrival
- 49,000 klms travelled by volunteers
- 43 turtles rehabilitated & released
Facial recognition technology
Implemented facial recognition technology to identify, document & track the health & movement of individual turtles over time.
Community Outreach and Education
TITR presented Turtle Talks and displays at more than 20 schools, clubs, fetes and universities in 2023
Uncovered large increase in sick turtles
Our monitoring efforts uncovered a large increase in the number of sick and deceased turtles which led to a wide-ranging investigation into turtle health.
Corporate Partners/Sponsors
Collaborations
Dpt. Environment, Science & Innovation (D.E.S.I) / QPWS
Our organisation is 100% volunteer operated and continues to operate on the generosity of our volunteers and supporters.
Port City Autos have been a major supporter by providing a turtle transport van, including custom decals, for our use 24/7.
Swift Storage Hervey Bay also generously donated the use of a storage shed for our equipment. When our storage needs required expansion, Swift Storage Hervey Bay continued their support by offering a discounted rate.
Many other individuals, businesses and other community not-for-profit organisations have both past and present greatly assisted either through donations or discounts (including but not limited to Rotary Club of Hervey Bay City and Older Men Unlimited).
We thank & acknowledge two of our very first corporate supporters, Australia Post and Beachwheels Australia.
Much gratitude also to Website Design Hervey Bay for generously donating time, expertise and creativity for our wonderful website.
Our continued efforts for sea turtle rescue, rehabilitation and conservation are possible through collaboration and partnerships with Qld Govt. Dpt. Environment, Science & Innovation (DESI/QPWS), QPWS Marine Park Rangers, Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital (AZWH), Sea World Foundation, Sea Life Sunshine Coast Aquarium, University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) and Butchulla (BNTAC).
Future Plans
- USC Turtle Rehab & Research Centre in Hervey Bay
- Continue collaborations and contribution to research
- Ongoing and new volunteer mentoring/training
- Continue educational outreach
- Add/improve equipment & resources
The Turtles need your support!
Your generosity and timely contributions are crucial in aiding our sea turtle friends. Each donation acts as a lifeline, enabling us to rescue, rehabilitate, and release these majestic creatures back into their ocean home.
Your donations can assist with
Rescue Operations
Medical Treatment
Rehabilitation Facilities
Conservation Education
Research Initiatives
Release and Monitoring
Join Our Mission
The passion, the dedication, the sacrifices, the tears, it is all worthwhile when our efforts result in releasing these amazing endangered species back to their home waters.
Donate for the Turtles
CONTAINERS FOR CHANGE
Turtles in Trouble Rescue Inc.
With your help we can make a change.
Containers for Change (Qld) ID: C10610782
How you can help
Avoiding or reducing lighting
Avoiding or reducing lighting along the coastline during nesting/hatching season.
Keeping the beach clean
Keeping the beach clean, dispose of litter. By keeping our beaches clean, you help provide a safer environment for the turtles.
Keep your distance
If you see a turtle making its way up or down the beach, keep your distance & keep to the side or rear of the turtle.
Avoid driving on beach dunes
This can not only impact nests but also hatchlings when they emerge from the nests with vehicle tracks hindering a safe journey to the ocean.
Keep dogs away and on leash
Keep your dogs on a leash and at a safe distance. Dogs can inadvertently cause stress or harm to turtles, especially during nesting season.
Report any sightings of tracks or nests
By reporting the tracks and any potential nest, they can be checked & monitored by trained volunteers.
Contact Us
Turtles in Trouble Rescue Inc. Management Committee
