Talking about Scalloped Hammerhead Sharks
Thursday 15 May 2025 | 7:00PM - 9:00PM
Deception Bay Environmental Hub 7 Joseph Crescent Deception Bay QLD 4508
You are cordially invited to hear University of Sunshine Coast researcher Maddie Cross "Talking about Scalloped Hammerhead Sharks".
This the seventh eco-forum in the "Talking about ..." series, a collaboration between Rotary-ESRAG, REF Environmental and the University of the Sunshine Coast.
Maddie's research aims to enhance our understanding of this critically endangered species by examining key aspects of its life history, including habitat use, movement patterns, age and growth, and post-release mortality.
She employs a range of innovative methods, including drones, acoustic telemetry, laboratory analyses, and fishery-based data.
Currently she is analyzing shark footage and tracking their movements by inputting drone GPS coordinates into cutting edge software.
Scalloped hammerhead sharks are known to use Moreton Bay as a place to give birth and as a nursery. They form schools, or "shivers," which help them hunt prey and provide safety in numbers, especially for young sharks.
MORETON BAY MARINE SYMPOSIUM
Sunday 4 May 2025 | 9:00AM - 4:00PM
The Komo 99 Marine Parade Redcliffe 2020
One hundred and three people attended the inaugural Moreton Bay Turtle Symposium at The Komo recently.
They came from Redcliffe, the Sunshine Coast, the Redland Region and Bribie Island. A few travelled from farther afield.
They were honoured to hear Keynote Speaker Professor Col Limpus, founder of the renowned Mon Repos Turtle Rookery. His presentation drew a large and appreciative audience.
Following him, speakers comprising turtle trackers, carers, researchers, environmental practitioners, and representatives from state and local government shared valuable insights into turtle conservation and management. All contributions were well received and added meaningfully to our collective understanding of turtles and their habitats.
Initial feedback suggests strong interest in holding a similar event next year, with many supporting Bribie Island as the preferred location.
Survey respondents also expressed interest in learning more about the scientific aspects of turtles.
If you are interested in attending the 2026 Moreton Bay Turtle Symposium on Bribie Island, please let us know and we will be sure to keep you informed once plans are confirmed.
TURTLE FAMILY FUN DAY
Saturday 3 May 2025 | 10:00AM - 2:00PM
Queens Beach North Scarborough 4020
Over fifty members of the local community attended the second Turtle Family Fun Day at Queens Beach North recently.
A similar event was held in April last year.
A significant number of people walking along the pathway adjacent to the foreshore also dropped in for a short time.
Fun Fact posters were displayed along the path, and reading them prompted many to ask questions of the ESRAG crew.
Councillors Cath Tonks and Sandra Ruck attended.
Cath opened the event. She holds the Healthy Environments (environmental issues and services) Portfolio for the City of Moreton Bay.
Queens Beach North is part of Sandra's constituency.
Dreamtime Kullill-Art's Michael Connelly welcomed everyone to 'saltwater country'.
Indigenous Insights Sharron mirii Bell entertained the children with singing and dancing and Dianne Oxenford from Bribie Island Turtle Trackers simulated a turtle egg hunt (ping pong balls) in the sand for the youngsters.
Bond University's Dr Darryl McPhee (Associate Professor) and author of the book entitled "Environmental History and Ecology of Moreton Bay" was talked about turtles and spoke about the impact of human's on their habitats and numbers.
Rotary-ESRAG showcased their environmental projects such as eco-forums to build environmental awareness in the community and their Landcare and Coastcare initiatives.
