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Volunteers help give turtles a fighting chance

The flatback turte tagging program has enabled the tagging of more than 9000 turtles by more than 700 volunteers in the last decade.

Chevron Australia, Pendoley Environmental staff and volunteer turtle taggers celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Flatback Turtle Tagging program earlier this month.

The program is carried out annually in the nesting season from November to January, on the beaches of Barrow Island and Mundabullangana, a reference site located west of Port Hedland.

Chevron Australia terrestrial ecologist Andy Smith said more than 9000 turtles had been tagged and measured since the program's inception.

"Data collected from the program includes beach usage, reproductive behaviour and estimated population size," he said.

"By comparing data from Barrow with that of Mundabullangana … we're able to better predict, monitor and manage potential impacts with the construction and operation phases of the Gorgon Project."

Volunteer and marine science graduate Bruna Calmanovici said the opportunity to participate in the turtle tagging program had allowed her to pursue her passion for conservation and marine biology.

"It wasn't just turtle tagging skills which I learnt during the program but also how to work more effectively in groups, communicate and negotiate with people," she said.

"It's certainly a great feeling to know you're playing a part in protecting the flatback population and I definitely hope to go back."

Chevron Australia senior environmental consultant Russell Lagdon said more than 700 volunteers had participated in the past decade.

"The program cultivates strong community involvement with our environmental efforts," he said.

"Not only does it provide a great opportunity for people to get hands-on field experience but to also see what Chevron is doing to protect the environment."