AUSTURTLE INC.
Sea Turtle Research and Conservation
Committed to Sea Turtle conservation through long-term research and community engagement
About AusTurtle
AusTurtle Inc. was established in 2004 to promote sea turtle conservation and research in northern Australia. We are a non‑profit organisation run by scientists, students, and community members, registered in the Northern Territory under the Associations Act 2004.
Sea turtle monitoring at Njulbitjik (Bare Sand Island) has been carried out by Dr Mick Guinea since 1986, with the work continuing formally under the AusTurtle name from 1996. In 2004, AusTurtle became a registered organisation, allowing the long‑term research program to expand and strengthen.
We work in partnership with the Kenbi people, the Traditional Owners of Njulbitjik, to monitor the two sea turtle species that nest in the Northern Territory: Flatback turtles and Olive Ridleys.
AusTurtle’s purpose is to support sea turtle research and conservation; contribute to the National Sea Turtle Recovery Plan through research, threat abatement and education; and protect sea turtle habitats and associated coastal biodiversity. We maintain the long‑term monitoring program at Bare Sand Island, participate in conservation discussions at local, regional, national and international levels, undertake fundraising to support this work, and collaborate with organisations and institutions to advance shared conservation goals.
All species of sea turtles in Australian waters are listed as either endangered or vulnerable to extinction under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act 1999. It is important to acknowledge a species in a particular geographic location may have a different conservation status to that of the broad classification listed by the EPBC Act 1999.
How to get involved
Volunteer
Join our field program at Njulbitjik (Bare Sand Island) and help collect nesting and hatchling data. Volunteers support long‑term monitoring, learn practical conservation skills, and contribute directly to protecting Flatback and Olive Ridley turtles.
Become a Member
Membership helps keep AusTurtle running. Your $10 annual membership supports insurance, governance, and volunteer program delivery. Members receive updates, event invitations, and priority access to volunteer opportunities.
Donate
Donations support long‑term monitoring, equipment, community engagement, and conservation outcomes. AusTurtle is an ACNC‑registered charity, and donations help keep the program running year after year.
Shop Merch
Every purchase supports our conservation work. Shirts and other items help fund equipment, field supplies, and volunteer training.
