A large green turtle named Max that was rescued at Port Stephens, has become the first male turtle to be tagged and released as part of a turtle monitoring program and his movements are providing a fascinating insight into his behaviour. 

Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park Scientific Officer, David Harasti, said the 110 kilogram turtle was released into the waters of Nelson Bay at Port Stephens late December and has shown to be very active in the water. 

“A long life satellite tag that lasts for approximately 500 days was fitted to the turtle’s back before he was released,” Mr Harasti said. 

“This tag has allowed us to track the turtle’s movements as part of the Marine Parks Authority (MPA) turtle monitoring project.  

“Every time the turtle surfaces to breathe, the tag will send a signal to overhead satellites which will notify us of its location. 

“Max is the first male turtle we will monitor as part of the program and will join two female green turtles, Crabby and Tracey, which were tagged last year.” 

Max’s Movements:

• Max swam south to Gosford, travelling 102 kilometres in his first three days. 
• Max then returned north back to north of Newcastle. 
• As of New Year’s Eve Max was at Broughton Island in the Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park, so he has returned back to his home. 
• Max travelled 220 km in just eight days. 

“Max’s journey has been surprising as we thought he would head immediately into the Port Stephens estuary like the other female turtles we released in 2011,” Mr Harasti said. 

“He may have been disorientated after spending five weeks in hospital and wasn't sure where to go, or maybe he was off hunting for a female partner as the turtle mating season is almost finished.” 

Max is approximately 50 years old, and was found floating by MPA staff near Tanilba Bay in early November. 

“Max was suffering from internal problems causing air to be stuck in the stomach meaning he was unable to dive,” Mr Harasti said. 

“The turtle was taken to the Taronga Wildlife Hospital where he has spent five weeks being rehabilitated.

“Green turtles have a life expectancy of up to 70 to 80 years and are a protected species in NSW. 

“This research program will allow us to learn more about the movements and habitats of turtles in NSW and further afield, and to find solutions to the threats they face in the wild such as plastic pollution and boat strikes.” 

Three species can be regularly found in the Port Stephens area (Loggerheads, Hawksbills and Greens) with Flatbacks and Leatherbacks also occasionally being seen.    

Photographs of the release and a map of Max’s movements are available.

Media contact: Lyndall Hilder 6391 3686 or 0409 383 423