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Conservation / Protecting marine turtles at APLNG

Researchers work on a sea turtle nest.

Researchers monitor an Australian flatback sea turtle hatchling as it emerges from its nest on Curtis Island.

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Since 2014, ConocoPhillips Australia, which operates Australia Pacific LNG (APLNG) on Curtis Island, has collaborated with the two other LNG operators on the island to implement a marine turtle protection program.

One aspect of this research-and-monitoring initiative has been to understand and manage how artificial light at night, known as skyglow, affects marine turtle nesting and hatchling behavior on Curtis Island in Gladstone Harbour, which is part of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. 

Jan-Arne Johansen

“We are operating in a sensitive area that is in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area," said ConocoPhillips Australia President Jan-Arne Johansen, "and we are dedicated to protecting the flora and fauna — such as marine turtles — that call Curtis Island home. We are committed to responsibly managing our environmental footprint, with high standards that align with government regulations as well as our framework, policies and processes.” 

Over the past 10 years, scientists have monitored night-time light intensity and color on the beaches in the area, using special cameras to measure the night sky at multiple marine turtle nesting locations. They've used this data to understand the light emitted from the entire industrialized port, which has numerous night-time light-producing facilities, including three LNG plants, coal terminals and cargo operations. 

APLNG is located on Curtis Island
ConocoPhillips Australia, which operates APLNG on Curtis Island in Gladstone Harbour, is committed to environmental stewardship and responsible industrial practices.
Scientists use special cameras to measure the light intensity and color at a marine turtle nesting location on Curtis Island. 
Scientists use special, non-intrusive cameras to measure the light intensity and color at a flatback sea turtle nest on Curtis Island. During such research, scientists use red lights for illumination, as this color has a lower impact on the turtles' natural behavior and nesting activities.  
turtle heading to ocean
An Australian flatback sea turtle makes its way from its nest on Curtis Island to the ocean. This species of marine turtle lives in shallow coastal waters.
ConocoPhillips Australia, which operates APLNG on Curtis Island in Gladstone Harbour, is committed to environmental stewardship and responsible industrial practices.
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Scientists use special, non-intrusive cameras to measure the light intensity and color at a flatback sea turtle nest on Curtis Island. During such research, scientists use red lights for illumination, as this color has a lower impact on the turtles' natural behavior and nesting activities.  
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An Australian flatback sea turtle makes its way from its nest on Curtis Island to the ocean. This species of marine turtle lives in shallow coastal waters.
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Although monitoring results indicate that the LNG facilities on Curtis Island minimally contribute to the regional skyglow phenomenon, APLNG has adjusted the direction and color of the lights at its facility to mitigate any potential impact on marine turtles.

Becky Peavler

“This research has created new knowledge on how skyglow affects local flatback turtle populations," said Becky Peavler, General Manager of Health, Safety and Environment for ConocoPhillips Australia. “Curtis Island is a near-pristine environment, which forms a part of an industrial port. It’s important that as the region develops further, industry understands and responsibly manages its light emissions.”

Sam Templar

Senior Environmental Coordinator Sam Templar, who oversees ConocoPhillips' collaboration in the marine turtle protection program, said the scientists who wrote the national guidelines for managing environmental light pollution evaluated the proposed modifications to the lighting at APLNG prior to implementation.

“Overall," he said, "the company has continued to show its commitment to responsibly managing the conservation of these important species.”

 

Curtis Island is located within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. ConocoPhillips Australia, which operates APLNG on the island, remains steadfast in its efforts to protect and preserve the unique biodiversity of this remarkable ecosystem. Learn more about the company's conservation efforts.
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