Project Description
To evaluate the community response to motion activated turtle sensitive lighting at two loggerhead nesting beaches; establish the community support for the investment in light pollution reduction; and use the findings as a basis of support for further social marketing for behaviour change.
Project Personnel and Beneficiaries
Social Marketing @ Griffith; Sunshine Coast Council; Citizen Science Groups
Outcomes to Date
The outcomes for this project show that, whilst the audience is more aware of the initiative and supports the effect of changed lighting on turtle conservation, more communication interventions are required.
Project Significance
The Sunshine Coast is home to approximately 4% of the South West Pacific genetic stock of the loggerhead turtle. Light pollution is considered a major threat, and is increasing at greater than 70% per year at nesting beaches. Managing Light pollution is key to lowering the impact on loggerhead hatchlings.