Independent Assessment of Marine Rehabilitation Facilities

in the Gladstone region

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Contents

Executive Summary ............................................................................................ 3 1. Introduction and Background ..................................................................... 5 2. Site Visits ....................................................................................................... 7 3. Future Direction .......................................................................................... 13 4. Managing both sites .................................................................................... 17 5. Proposed development of GAWB facility ................................................. 21 6. Budget and Expenses .................................................................................. 22 7. Operational Flowchart ............................................................................... 25 Appendix One – Biodiversity Offset Strategy region .................................... 26 Appendix Two – Quoin Island Turtle Rehabilitation Centre ....................... 27 Appendix Three – Gladstone Area Water Board .......................................... 29 Acronyms ........................................................................................................... 31 References .......................................................................................................... 32

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Executive Summary The Gladstone Ports Corporation Limited (GPC) manages and operates the Port of Gladstone, Queensland’s largest multi-commodity port. GPC recently completed a substantial part of a dredging project in Port Curtis, Stage 1A of the Western Basin Dredging and Disposal Project. The purpose of the dredging project was to deepen and widen existing shipping channels and swing basins and create new shipping channels, swing basins and berth pockets. To undertake these dredging activities, GPC must meet a number of environmental conditions, one of which is the development and implementation of a Biodiversity Offset Strategy (BOS). One of the offsets identified within the BOS was to provide funding for the establishment and operation of any marine rehabilitation facilities within the Gladstone region. To facilitate this, GPC requested an independent review of the current marine rehabilitation facilities (of which there are two) located within the BOS region. Whilst the current focus of rehabilitation is sea turtles, ultimately, an overall strategy for all marine animal rehabilitation is required based on the available resources in the region. The Project Team visited the two Sea Turtle rehabilitation facilities that are currently operating in Gladstone - Quoin Island Turtle Rehabilitation Centre (QITRC) and the Gladstone Area Water Board (GAWB). These are both functional facilities that if brought together under an overarching body could provide excellent sea turtle rehabilitation. The establishment of a Capricornia Marine Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Board (the Board) would oversee and co-ordinate the function of the two existing facilities. If this is not possible then GPC can manage the process as outlined in this report. The report makes a number of recommendations, which should ensure that the Gladstone region’s sea turtle rehabilitation program is of the highest level, including improving veterinary oversight of the care of the turtles and the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that both facilities follow. A suggested list of SOPs is presented. With the two facilities that currently exist, we would recommend the following to prevent duplication. The GAWB hatchery is the best site for an initial triage centre and providing emergency care, while the QITRC is the best site for the long-term rehabilitation of sea turtles. QITRC will also be responsible for their release upon recovery. A list of essential equipment, that must be present at both of these facilities, is provided as well as a discussion on the staffing of the facilities. Properly trained local volunteers (some of which already exist) could reduce this level of staffing as well as the use of tertiary students as part of their work experience programs, externships etc.

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The GAWB hatchery is to be re-located within the next few years due to proposed local developments of the current site. This presents a unique opportunity for the Board or GPC to design a new rehabilitation facility of the highest standard. It is envisaged that some of the BOS funds would go to the physical building of this facility. A list of areas (rooms) is presented that would need to be incorporated into this new facility Finally, a flowchart is presented that outlines the steps from the initial location of stranded or injured wildlife by a member of the public through to its eventual release back to wild.

Project Team Dr Rob Jones – The Aquarium Vet (Project Leader) Dr Mandy Paterson – Principal Scientist, RSPCA Queensland Dr Mick Guinea – Specialist Turtle Biologist, Charles Darwin University Mr Rob Townsend – Life Sciences Manager, Manly Sea Life Sanctuary

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1. Introduction and Background Gladstone is a coastal city in Queensland approximately 525 kilometres north of Brisbane. In the past few decades, it has become an increasingly important industrial port, mainly due to the increased Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) or Coal Seam Gas industry and coal mining. The Gladstone Ports Corporation Limited (GPC) (ABN 96 263 788 242) manages and operates the Port of Gladstone, including the Gladstone Marina and its recreational parklands. The Port of Gladstone is Queensland’s largest multi-commodity port, housing the world’s fourth largest coal export terminal. Port land and facilities are located at various sites within the port precinct with a total of 4,321 hectares of land under GPC control, which includes more than 700 hectares of reclaimed land. GPC recently completed a substantial part of a dredging project in Port Curtis, Stage 1A of the Western Basin Dredging and Disposal Project (WBDDP). The purpose of the dredging project was to deepen and widen existing shipping channels and swing basins and create new shipping channels, swing basins and berth pockets. To undertake these dredging activities, GPC must meet a number of environmental conditions, one of which is the development and implementation of a Biodiversity Offset Strategy (BOS). The BOS was developed to provide for the long-term conservation of threatened and migratory species, including their habitats that may be impacted by activities associated with the WBDDP. The BOS was approved in July 2012. Two of the offsets identified within the BOS are:

• to provide funding to support Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) for the collection and transport of stranded marine animals

• to provide funding for the establishment and operation of any marine rehabilitation facilities within the Gladstone region

These two offsets have now been combined. To facilitate these offset requirements, GPC requested an independent review of the current marine rehabilitation facilities (of which there are two) located within the BOS region (see Appendix One). The report is to outline capital (i.e. equipment and facilities) and/or operational (resources, processes, protocols) requirements to enhance the operations of these facilities. GPC required clear guidance on prioritising the capital and operational requirements, and how the rehabilitation facilities could complement each other’s operations. Whilst the current focus of rehabilitation at present is sea turtles, ultimately, an overall strategy for all marine animal rehabilitation is required based on the available resources in the region. Much of this interest occurred because there was a major spike in marine animal stranding along the east coast of Queensland (including the Gladstone region) in 2011 following cyclones and floods

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Six of the seven marine turtle species occur within Australian waters and are all listed as critically endangered through to vulnerable, under the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and Australia’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC Act). The endemic Flatback turtle (Natator depressus) nests on the eastern beaches of Curtis Island, Facing Island and Hummock Hill Island (all within the BOS region – see Appendix One). Green Sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) and Loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) also nest in similar areas, but less commonly and at lower densities. Some turtles also nest on mainland beaches such as Tannum Sands, Boyne Island and Canoe Point. To date four species of sea turtle have been rescued from Port Curtis and the environs, extending from Yeppoon to Bundaberg: Green Sea turtles (C. mydas) feed on seagrass, algae and the fruits and leaves of mangroves (Limpus 2008). The protected shallow water environments and embayment are popular habitats for this species. They are prone to the adverse influences of freshwater influx after heavy rain killing the algae and seagrass and to collisions with boat traffic in these protected waters. Hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricate) feed on a variety of benthic organisms including sponges, corals, algae and sea grasses (Limpus 2009). This diversity may make them less prone then green turtles to the effects of adverse weather. They are less common than are green turtles in the bays and estuaries, but present on coral encrusted headlands and rocky reefs adjacent to river mouths. Flatback turtles (N. depressus) are carnivorous, feeding on soft bodied organisms such as molluscs e.g. squid and cuttlefish, coelenterates e.g. sea pens, jellyfish and soft corals and holothurians (Limpus 2007). They may occupy deeper channels where their food species may be more reliable and the animals themselves are less prone to boat-strike. Loggerhead turtles (C. caretta) are carnivorous feeding on gastropod and bivalve molluscs and crabs (Limpus 2008). They inhabit coastal water and feed at the depths determined by the abundance of prey. In the Gladstone region, there are several key potential impacts to turtles and other marine animals. These include:

• Habitat disturbance (increased sedimentation and turbidity) due to construction of LNG facilities, dredging etc. and habitat destruction

• Noise and vibration from dredging, trenching and sheet piling during construction • Underwater noise and vibration generated by increased vessel activity • Boat strike due to increased vessel movement causing injury and mortalities

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2. Site Visits The Project Team met with Dr Megan Ellis (Marine Scientist for GPC) and Dr Daniel Spooner (Environmental Leader for Western Basin LNG Dredging) on Tuesday February 18th., 2014, at the GPC offices. At this meeting, Drs Ellis and Spooner presented the background to the Project and information about GPC and the BOS. On Wednesday February 19th 2014, the Project team visited the two Sea Turtle rehabilitation facilities that are currently operating in Gladstone. Details of the visits to these sites - Quoin Island Turtle Rehabilitation Centre and the Gladstone Area Water Board - are below. It must be noted that, although Dr. Ellis facilitated and escorted the Project team on its visit to each site, she was not present at any of the discussions with the facility managers or owners.

Figure 1 - Map of Port Curtis showing the locations of the Quoin Island Turtle Rehabilitation Centre and the hatchery of the Gladstone Area Water Board.

2.1 Quoin Island Turtle Rehabilitation Centre

Quoin Island Turtle Rehabilitation Centre (QITRC) was the first permanent marine turtle rehabilitation facility in the Gladstone area. QITRC was built by a very successful local businessperson, Mr Bob McCosker, who saw a deficiency in the region for the rehabilitation of stranded sea turtles. It opened in March 2012.

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Previously there had been no dedicated rehabilitation facility within the Gladstone region. Sick and injured sea turtles were transported to Australia Zoo, some 460 kilometres south of Gladstone. Mr McCosker had many years of experience as a volunteer wildlife carer, and with the support of Australian Animals Care and Education Inc (AACE), he constructed the QITRC on his property. For details of AACE, see <http://www.aaceproject.com>. QITRC is licenced to rehabilitate up to ten sea turtles at any one time. As part of the permit, issued by the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (DEHP), the public are not allowed to view the turtles. Mr McCosker provides ongoing financial support and combined with corporate sponsorship, fundraising, volunteer support and the annual QITRC Gala Benefit, covers the extensive costs associated with running this facility. To reduce costs, many of the duties associated with the turtle rehabilitation processes are undertaken by a group of community volunteers. The Australia Pacific Liquid Natural Gas (APLNG) company also assists with funding. The QITRC facility consists of the following areas:

• Desalination plant - this has been there for some time and provides freshwater for the Quoin Island Retreat owned by Mr McCosker. It now also provides ample freshwater for the QITRC.

• Office and Treatment room – this air-conditioned room is for administration, food preparation and any turtle treatments required. It contains a fridge for medications and food. A set of weighing scales are present as well as a good selection of medical supplies such as syringes, needles, disinfectants etc.

• Undercover area – there are four various sized circular tanks for the initial turtle rehabilitation process. These are static tanks which are drained daily and then re-filled with ambient sea water manually by the staff.

• Large in-ground swimming pool (approximately nine metres in length). This pool contains the sea turtles that are healthy and on the road to recovery. It provides good exercise pre-release.

• Life Support System (LSS) for the pool consists of a pump, pressure sand filter and cartridge filter. The sides and bottom of the pool were covered in algae but the water was clear and so this is purely a cosmetic issue. Fresh sea water was added daily for between 3 to 6 hours a day with old water draining out onto the beach and back into the sea.

• Large freshwater holding tank at the far end of the facility. Behind this are 3 x 22,000 litre tanks that hold filtered sea water. The sea water is filtered through three large blue coloured, 5 micron filters that are located in the desalination plant room

• Amphibious vehicle / boat for rescues

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When a turtle enters QITRC it is given a sequential number. The turtle is examined, weighed and its carapace measured. All data is recorded. The turtle is given a name, which is then written on their back (using a white, water-based paint marker pen). A White Board located in the Undercover area is used as a central recording area so that all staff can see which turtles are currently in the facility. During the winter, heating of the water is required at times to maintain the water temperature at 25 to 26oC. Increased water changes in the summer keep the temperature from getting too hot. Food consists mainly of squid, pilchards and some cos lettuce. Turtles are fed individually and the weight of food fed each day is recorded. Once a week all turtles are physically checked and weighed. Mr McCosker currently liaises with a veterinary surgery in Rockhampton for veterinary supplies and for any turtles that require medical or surgical intervention. Mr McCosker has also developed skills in treating the turtles with the administration of antibiotics and other medication as required as well as cleaning and dressing wounds. Records supplied show that since opening QITRC has provided care for a little over 100 sea turtles, of which the vast majority are Green sea turtles. There have been four Flatback turtles, six Hawksbill turtles and one Loggerhead turtle. The turtles ranged in size from less than one kilogram (baby Loggerhead) to just over 100 kilograms (Green Sea turtle). Of these sea turtles, 41 have been released back to the wild with some still present at QITRC as well as those that have been transferred to the second facility (see below). A summary of sea turtle species, their numbers and size as reported by QITRC is in the table below:

Species Average (mm) SD

Minimum (mm)

Maximum (mm) %

Flatback 503.75 293.6 70 710 4

Green 387 130.1 403 1020 89

Hawksbill 387 57.4 323 472 6

Loggerhead 100 0 100 100 1 The size distribution of Green Sea turtles recorded by QITRC in the summer months of 2013 and 2014 is in the chart below. This data shows that the majority are sub-adult Green Sea turtles.

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Mr McCosker provides a 24-hour telephone number for members of the public to contact if they find a stranded sea turtle that needs rescuing. This number is widely advertised on the QITRC web site and in the media. QITRC conducts necropsies on all of the deceased turtles with a gross examination and no further testing. At present this is being undertaken by volunteers, with the main person being a medical doctor with training from an Australian Zoo veterinarian. Mr McCosker is responsible for flipper tagging and releasing turtles after their time at QITRC. QITRC has a webpage at http://www.quoinislandretreat.com.au/new/index.php/turtles and also see Appendix Two for photographs of QITRC.

2.2 Gladstone Area Water Board

The Gladstone Area Water Board (GAWB) was established in 1973 and its purpose is to ensure that the long and short-term water needs of current and future customers are met in ways that are environmentally, socially and commercially sustainable. GAWB owns and operates Awoonga Dam on the Boyne River along with a network of delivery pipelines, water treatment plants and other water distribution infrastructure in the Gladstone region. GAWB operates a marine fish hatchery to produce fingerlings to restock Lake Awoonga. The hatchery is one of the largest breeders of barramundi (Lates calcarifer) fingerlings in Queensland. It also breeds mangrove jack (Lutjanus argentimaculatus) and sea mullet (Mugil cephalus). Four full-time GAWB staff operate the hatchery as well as monitoring and

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managing the Lake Awoonga recreational fishery. The hatchery is located on Auckland Inlet at the corner of Lord and Glenlyon Streets, Gladstone. Recently, the GAWB has established a sea turtle rehabilitation facility within the fish hatchery. This facility has a linkage with the QITRC with staff from GAWB having been trained by Mr McCosker and QITRC has also provided GAWB with animals for care. The GAWB turtle facility is financed by the Queensland Gas Company (QGC). However, this funding expires in December 2014. GAWB is licenced to rehabilitate up to ten marine turtles at any one time. As part of the permit, issued by the DEHP, the public are not allowed to view the turtles. The GAWB turtle facility consists of the following areas:

• Triage room with direct street access, which is excellent from a biosecurity viewpoint. This area contains four small circular yellow tubs (few hundred litres in volume), which are designed for short-term holding and assessment. These tubs are all static tanks with filling and emptying being controlled manually. There is ample freshwater and sea water available. There is a scissor-lift trolley and weighing scales.

• Shade-clothed area with eight rectangular blue tubs. These tubs are all static tanks with filling and emptying being controlled manually. These are larger tubs (approximately 2000 litres) for more long-term treatment and monitoring.

• One large circular blue tub (20,000 litres) which is for the long-term holding of turtles. On the day of our visit, all turtles at the facility were present in this tub. This tub has some LSS with pumps and a biotower. Every two days, a 100% water change is performed.

Food consists mainly of squid and pilchards. As GAWB only has a few turtles they operate on a visual identification system with size and distinguishing features used to recognize the turtles. The turtles are weighed weekly and records kept. GAWB is placing flipper tags on the turtles and in conjunction with QITRC releasing the turtles after their time at GAWB. Due to local development, the GAWB hatchery is due to relocate within the next few years. This provides an excellent opportunity, as part of the BOS, to assist in developing an improved and custom-built facility (covered later in this report). See Appendix Three for photographs of the GAWB facility.

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CONCLUSION Overall, these two facilities seem to be functioning reasonably well, particularly in light of their budgetary constraints. The Project team would like to raise the following concerns about the current facilities, none of which would be difficult to rectify if the recommendations of the next section are undertaken. The list of concerns applies to both facilities, unless indicated, and they are:

• Insufficient veterinary input • Potential for unsupervised use of veterinary drugs • Incomplete necropsies not performed by a pathologist or veterinarian, with no

follow-up histopathology etc. (QITRC) • Lack of veterinary equipment (X-ray machine, anaesthetic machine, ultrasound

and so on) • Insufficient Standard Operating Procedures • Insufficient or no lifting equipment for heavy turtles on site • Lack of experience (GAWB) • Insufficient training of staff and/or volunteers on husbandry and care of turtles • Some collaboration between centres but little consistency of treatment • Relocation of GAWB causing lack of surety about location and facilities • Diet fed to turtles high in fat (pilchards). While good for fast weight gain, a less

fatty option would result in healthier animals being released

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3. Future Direction The Gladstone region currently has two functional sea turtle rehabilitation facilities that if brought together under an overarching body could provide appropriate turtle rehabilitation. An overarching body will allow the standards of care at the two centres to be supported, improved and standardised. Co-operation and co-ordination is required to avoid duplication of effort and to ensure that there is consistency in all rehabilitation procedures. There are three possible options moving forward, with Option One the preferred option and Option Three the least preferred. Option One The Project teams recommendation is that the Capricornia Marine Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Board (hereafter referred to as the Board) be established to oversee and co-ordinate the function of the two existing facilities. There are several different legal entities that could be used, but it would appear that legally this body should best be a company limited by guarantee. To confirm which structure should be used, a formal legal opinion must be sought. The proposed membership of the Board would consist of up to nine members:

• GPC (essential) • GAWB representative (essential) • QITRC and ideally Mr Bob McCosker (essential) • APLNG (This is optional and at each of the LNG companies discretion, however

it is essential that at least one company is permanently represented) • QGC (This is optional and at each of the LNG companies discretion, however it

is essential that at least one company is permanently represented) • Gladstone LNG (GLNG) (This is optional and at each of the LNG companies

discretion, however it is essential that at least one company is permanently represented)

• Veterinarian with expertise in this area (essential) • Turtle biologist(essential) • Gladstone region independent person (essential)

The first six members of the Board are selected individually by the organizations that they represent. Board members would need to be appointed for a minimum of one year (and preferably two) to have stability and develop ongoing relationships. These six members would then be responsible for selecting and appointing the final three members by invitation.

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Once again, these last three Board members should be appointed for a minimum of one year (and preferably two). A mechanism needs to be established to ensure that not all Board members finish their time together, which would create a lack of continuity. GPC has indicated their willingness to host the meetings. The recommendation would be to hold monthly meetings for the first six months and then bi-monthly meetings (six per year) for the next six months (total of nine meetings in the first twelve months) when there would be a large amount of work to be undertaken. The frequency should then be able to decrease to quarterly after the first year. In between meetings, correspondence would be via email. The nine members would elect a Chairman and Secretary etc. All expenses for the meetings would be financed by the Board funds. As most members will be local, these costs should be minimal. There will be some expenses incurred in the establishment of this Board (company) with legal fees etc. and these are to come from the BOS money that GPC has available. Once established, bank accounts will be set up so that the BOS money can be placed in the Board account. The Board would then be responsible for administering the funds that are available from GPC via the BOS. The Board should aim for the company to gain charity status and not-for-profit status, which would then allow it to attract other donations and for sustainability of the Board. It is hoped then that the three LNG companies will continue their financial support via the Board. It would also be advisable to get the DEHP (https://www.ehp.qld.gov.au/) involved so that they understand and agree with the Project. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) would need to be developed and agreed to and signed by both GAWB and QITRC. They would need to agree to follow any decisions made by the Board and in return they will receive support and funding from the Board to continue their work. It would be worthwhile having a discussion with both these groups before significant legal work is undertaken, to avoid costs if either party are not interested. The three LNG companies should also be consulted. The Board would be responsible for:

• identifying legal requirements • clearly defining the roles of each facility (as suggested later in this report) • establishing a series of guidelines and standard operating procedures • ensuring that these standards are followed

Initially the Board would predominantly be concerned with sea turtles. However, long-term strategies and planning should also be undertaken for sea birds, marine mammals and other marine reptiles (such as sea snakes). Preparation for oil spills should be on the agenda.

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Gladstone, due to its central Queensland location, could become a centre for marine animal rehabilitation in the future. The Board should ensure that there is associated research with both of these sea turtle facilities in collaboration with Universities and Government. The Central Queensland University has two of its five campuses located in Gladstone and Rockhampton and relationships should be promoted to foster a research-based environment. Currently, in Queensland marine wildlife animal stranding should be reported by telephone to 1300ANIMAL. These calls are handled by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) Queensland branch, who have an agreement to take these calls for the DEHP. The agreement with DEHP has RSPCA Qld passing the calls onto DEHP Rangers who are responsible for the collection of the animals. In Gladstone, the QITRC has a turtle hotline that is also widely advertised. It is proposed that this process be streamlined and, with DEHP approval, any calls to 1300ANIMALS about animals in the Gladstone region be passed onto GAWB rather than DEHP. Detailed records will be kept of the telephone calls and the outcomes for DEHP. This is covered in the Operational Flowchart (see section 7). For day-to-day management, there may be the need for a part-time employee. This will be a Board decision. Meetings are to be hosted and facilitated by GPC.

Suggested Steps:

i) GPC present this report and have discussions with QITRC and GAWB to get agreement on the establishment of a charitable company (Board)

ii) Select a Working Group – similar membership to the Board iii) Working Group to establish the company from a legal viewpoint iv) Establish the Board for the company v) Develop MOUs with QITRC and GAWB and get signed off vi) Open Bank accounts vii) Transfer BOS funds to Board account viii) Develop budgets

Option Two If GPC cannot commit, for whatever reason, out of their own resources to the establishment of a Board and providing a Board member, then we suggest that GPC, using some of the BOS funds, pay a person to undertake this role.

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This person would be a Board member and be responsible for all administration and clerical duties of the Board. It is estimated that this would require 0.5 to 1 day a week. This person would then report to GPC on the finances and activities of the Board. All other recommendations about the Board made in Option One, apply to Option Two Option Three If the formation of the Board as outlined above in Options One and Two is not practical or possible, then the Project team’s last recommendation is that GPC would directly oversee the funding, via the BOS, of the processes and budgets as detailed in the remainder of this report. Whichever option is selected, the Project team would advise that MOUs between GPC and the two rehabilitation facilities should still be developed and signed off.

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4. Managing both sites Whether a Board is formed or GPC takes on this role, the Project team makes several recommendations. With the two facilities that currently exist, we would recommend the following to prevent duplication:

1. GAWB hatchery is the best option for an initial triage centre. It is easily accessible by road. Many turtles are transported to Gladstone by vehicle from the surrounding areas. Currently, via the Auckland Inlet there is water access if needed. In the new GAWB hatchery location (see later) this may or may not occur but is not critical. Transport to a veterinarian for treatment or regular access by the consultant veterinarian will always be easier than on Quoin Island. There may be the odd occasion when a critically ill sea turtle is transferred directly to a veterinarian for emergency treatment. In this situation, after the veterinary treatment, the turtle should then be transferred to GAWB. It is recommended that GAWB should always have a few turtles on site to maintain staff interest etc.

2. QITRC is the best option for the long-term rehabilitation of turtles after their initial emergency first-aid and stabilization period at GAWB. The turtles would then be transferred to QITRC, who will care for the turtles and be responsible for their release upon recovery. If the QITRC facility is full (i.e. at its capacity of 10 turtles) then turtles will remain at the GAWB hatchery site until turtles have been released back into the wild from QITRC. Also, it needs to be noted that with the two current facilities QITRC is more capable of handling the larger (> 80 kilograms bodyweight) than GAWB.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) needs to be developed and agreed to and signed by both GAWB and QITRC. They would need to agree to follow any decisions made by the Board or GPC and, in return, they will receive support and funding from the Board or GPC to continue their work. To ensure that the Gladstone region’s sea turtle rehabilitation program is of the highest level, it is essential that Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) be developed and documented, and that both facilities adhere to them. This needs to be a major role of the Board or GPC. The Board or GPC may undertake this process themselves, using any existing SOPs from the two existing facilities as a starting point. It may also be necessary to engage a professional consultant to review these SOPs

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SOPs are required in the following areas:

• Required permits • Physical facility standard • Triage procedure • Record Keeping - including permanent identification (use of microchips in the left

shoulder region), weighing (weekly) and measuring (monthly). Col Limpus is a good resource for this. Excel spreadsheet with all turtle details. Individual medical history records. Develop a template that is used by both sites.

• Training of all staff and volunteers. Community involvement is important. This should include carers in the field (i.e. first responders). Conduct a two-day workshop involving external experts (veterinarian, turtle biologist or carer) and Mr Bob McCosker. The first day would involve staff and volunteers from the existing two facilities, as well as local carers and focus on the initial first aid on the beach and transporting the turtles to GAWB for triage. The second day would be specifically for the staff of the two facilities and focus on turtle husbandry and medical care. A workshop should be conducted in the first year and then as a minimum every two years after that.

• Veterinary Care (treatment protocols, including antibiotics, parasite treatments, pain relief for traumatic injuries, ongoing monitoring, euthanasia). Strict adherence to the use and administration of Prescription Animal Remedies (old S4) is important (see below). Regular veterinary visits to both facilities, with a minimum of two visits per month to GAWB and monthly to QITRC, with a weekly email update of new arrivals, weights etc. All new turtles should be examined by a veterinarian within two to three days of arrival. Blood testing to become the standard rather than the exception.

• Workplace Health and Safety (old OHS) – including lifting of large turtles and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as gloves and safety goggles. Must talk about Salmonella and Mycobacteria

• Nutrition – type and quantity (species specific), correct thawing procedure, nutritional supplements

• Biosecurity – prevention of disease spread • Water Quality – water changes, LSS, testing regime, daily checklist for each facility • Criteria for Release – body weight monitoring and possible use of blood sampling

prior to release (see Flint et al, 2010). Turtles due for release must have a vet check within 7 days of the release date.

• Release Procedure – use of ID and monitoring options (flipper tags, microchips, Sat Tags, internal transponders). Ensure that all tagging is under the approval of an Animal Ethics Committee. Turtles to be released into a safe environment, as close to where they were found as possible

• Deceased animals – what to do with body, necropsy arrangements, pathology testing

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In Queensland, as in all States, there are strict guidelines regarding the control of Prescription Animal Remedies (the old S4s). These rules govern the buying, dispensing, storing and administration of such drugs. There are two circumstances under which a non-veterinarian can administer a Prescription Animal Remedy drug to an animal: 1) the drug has been dispensed by a veterinarian following an examination of a specific animal. The dispensed drug must be labelled in a particular way and administered by the non-veterinarian according to the instructions given by the veterinarian 2) a person has received written approval under the Health (Drugs and Poisons) Regulations 1996 and even then a veterinarian must be contacted to give approval for the use of the drugs for each patient. Approval conditions include detailed record keeping of the use of the drug and the storage of the drug in a locked cupboard/drawer. It is essential that both turtle rehabilitation sites adhere to these regulations. These regulations are in a document entitled Approvals for Animal Management and/or Welfare Purposes in Queensland. This is available at : http://www.health.qld.gov.au/ph/documents/ehu/app-animal-mgt-guide.pdf It is recommended that a local veterinarian be identified who will be responsible for supervising the veterinary care of the two facilities as well as making the required on-site visits. This veterinarian ideally should have access to radiology, endoscopy and ultrasound equipment when it is required. It is also recommended that the Board or GPC engage an external consultant to undertake an independent audit annually of both facilities to ensure that they are following the correct practices as outlined in the SOPs that have been developed. There needs to be an allowance for one full day at each site checking the facility itself as well as all records etc. followed by a report. The following is a list of essential equipment that must be present at both of these facilities:

• Refrigerator for food • Freezer for food storage • Scales for weighing • Lifting gear – scissor lift trolley etc. (must be capable of lifting the occasional 200

kilogram turtle) • Turtle stretchers (at least two sizes) • Microchip Reader, implanter and microchips • Lockable cupboard as well as a refrigerator for medications • Syringes and Needles appropriate for treatment • Swabs and disinfectants for wound cleaning • Water Quality testing equipment (temperature, salinity, pH and ammonia) • Office with computer and internet access • Microscope (with digital attachment for internet medicine)

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• Ultra-violet lamps if there is no direct access to the sun • LSS to ensure good water quality is maintained • Heating of the water to maintain optimum temperatures in the winter

At GAWB (triage and emergency treatment) it is advisable that there be the following:

• Anaesthetic Machine • Radiology capability (on site or access via local veterinarian) • Endoscope / Ultrasound capability (on site or access via local veterinarian)

Staffing of the facilities will be required. It is anticipated that there will need to be one full time equivalent (FTE) at each site on a daily basis. Properly trained local volunteers (some of which already exist) could reduce this level of staffing. Tertiary students who are studying Marine Biology or other related courses, could be utilized as part of their work experience programs, externships etc. Insurance coverage for all staff and volunteers will be essential.

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5. Proposed development of GAWB facility The GAWB hatchery is to be re-located within the next few years due to proposed local developments of the current site. This presents a unique opportunity for the Board or GPC to design a new rehabilitation facility of the highest standard. It is envisaged that some of the BOS funds would go to the physical building of this facility. Until the new site is selected, and the draft plans for the new hatchery are organized, it is not possible to design a floor plan. However, the following areas will be required:

• Triage room with a separate external entrance for biosecurity. This area would include small holding pools for the first seven days of treatment

• Veterinary facility and Treatment room with capability for medical and surgical procedures (anaesthetic machine, operating table and surgical equipment) and to include Lab with microscope and water testing capability

• Office with computer for record keeping, internet access, library. • Walk-in fridge (holding large dead bodies e.g. Dugong before necropsy) and walk-in

freezer for large bodies • Necropsy room with a separate entrance (biosecurity). This room and table would

need to be large enough for dugongs and dolphins. Shower and bathroom facilities incorporated.

• Food freezer and refrigerator • Holding pools both indoors and outdoors for turtles – the existing GAWB tubs should

be kept and re-used • Ensure that there is sufficient room on the site for the future building of a temporary

holding pool for Dugongs etc. that could hold one for a few days or weeks after an incident such as an oil spill.

• Washing area for equipment etc. • Meeting room • Generator for power failures • Capability of lifting and handling very large sea turtles some of which can weigh up

to 200 kilograms

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6. Budget and Expenses The brief did not include the development of complete budgets but the following notes are included as a starting point for the new Board or GPC. They are by no means complete and where figures are given, they are estimate only. There are several budgets outlined below:

1. Establishment of a Board (if that is what is agreed upon) 2. Both facilities irrespective of whether managed by a Board or GPC 3. Gladstone Area Water Board 4. Quoin Island Turtle Rehabilitation Centre

1. Capricornia Marine Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Board

Year One Legal fees with establishment of the Board and binding MOUs

up to $ 20,000

Board Meetings (nine in the first year) – travel expenses etc.

up to $ 18,000

Year Two onwards Board Meetings (4 per year) up to $ 8,000

2. Both facilities irrespective of whether managed by a Board or GPC

Year One Training workshop up to $ 15,000 Annual independent audit up to $ 6,000

Year Two onwards Training workshop (Year 3, 5 , 7 ….) up to $ 15,000 Annual independent audit up to $ 6,000

If there is no Board established, and GPC takes on the role, then MOUs between GPC and the two rehabilitation facilities still need to be developed and there would be some expenditure for this.

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3. Gladstone Area Water Board

Year One – Capital Expenses Lifting gear, stretchers $ 2,500 Microscope with digital attachment $ 2,000 Microchip scanner, implanter and microchips $ 1,500 Anaesthetic machine and ET tubes etc. $ 5,000 Water Quality testing equipment $ 500 Lockable cupboard and fridge for drugs $ 1,500 TOTAL $13,000

Year One – Operational Expenses Staff – 1.25 x FTE $ 50,000 Food for turtles $ 20,000 Insurance – Workcare and Public Liability $ 1,000 Utilities – Power, telephone $ 4,000 Veterinary Fees * $ 16,000 Pathology (blood tests, necropsy testing) ** $ 12,500 Medical Supplies $ 5,000 Motor Vehicle In kind ? TOTAL $108,500

* Based upon one visit every 2 weeks and estimated emergency treatments ** Blood tests 50 turtles (one test each) and 10 necropsies per year

Operating budget for future years should be similar to Year One, unless the caseload increases significantly.

4. Quoin Island Turtle Rehabilitation Centre (QITRC)

Year One – Capital Expenses Lifting gear, stretchers $ 2,500 Microscope with digital attachment $ 2,000 Microchip scanner $ 1,000 Water Quality testing equipment $ 500 Lockable cupboard and fridge for drugs $ 1,500 TOTAL $ 7,500

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Year One – Operational Expenses Staff – 1.25 x FTE $ 50,000 Food for turtles $ 40,000 Insurance – Workcare and Public Liability $ 1,000 Utilities – Power, telephone $ 4,000 Veterinary Fees *** $ 5.000 Pathology (blood tests, necropsy testing) **** $ 4,000 Medical Supplies $ 5,000 Amphibious vehicle use In kind ? TOTAL $109,000

*** Based upon one visit every month and limited emergency treatments **** Few follow up blood tests or necropsies

Operating budget for future years should be similar to Year One, unless the caseload increases significantly.

Further Budget The GAWB re-development in the next few years (as outlined in the previous section) could cost up to $200,000. This needs to be included in any future planning by the Board or GPC as part of the overall future budget and planning.

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7. Operational Flowchart The following flowchart outlines steps from the initial location of stranded / injured wildlife by a member of the public to eventual release back to wild.

Member of public calls 1300ANIMAL (calls taken by RSPCA Queensland) (Detailed records kept of the calls and outcomes for DEHP)

RSPCA contacts Capricornia Marine Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Board or GAWB Public / local carer transports turtle QPWS or QITRC Rescue boat / car

GAWB Triage Facility for assessment Critical transferred to Vet OR Vet attends GAWB Not critical admitted Euthanized and necropsy performed Stabilized at GAWB

Transferred to QITRC

Rehabilitation complete and examined by Vet

Flipper tagging and Release by QITRC

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Appendix One – Biodiversity Offset Strategy region

The BOS region is outlined in yellow.

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Appendix Two – Quoin Island Turtle Rehabilitation Centre

Figure 2 - The QITRC facility viewed from the beach. Large pool is to the left of the shed.

Figure 3 – The large in-ground swimming pool with LSS at the far end. In the rear is the large holding tank for freshwater from the desalination plant.

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Figure 4 – The undercover area with holding pools. Note the white board (wall behind the large pool) and door to the office just to the right of the board.

Figure 5 - Amphibious rescue vessel available for rescues and releases

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Appendix Three – Gladstone Area Water Board

Figure 6 - GAWB Triage Area

Figure 7 – GAWB short-term holding in rectangular tubs

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Figure 8 – GAWB long-term holding circular tank. LSS is in the left foreground.

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Acronyms AACE Australian Animals Care and Education Inc APLNG Australia Pacific Liquid Natural Gas BOS Biodiversity Offset Strategy DEHP Department of Environment and Heritage Protection EPBC Act Australia’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act GAWB Gladstone Area Water Board GLNG Gladstone Liquefied Natural Gas Company GPC Gladstone Ports Corporation Limited IUCN International Union for the Conservation of Nature LNG Liquefied Natural Gas LSS Life Support System MOU Memorandum of Understanding QITRC Quoin Island Turtle Rehabilitation Centre QGC Queensland Gas Company QPWS Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service RSPCA Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals WBDDP Western Basin Dredging and Disposal Project

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References Flint M., Morton J.M., Limpus C.J., Patterson-Kane J.C., Murray P.J. and Mills P.J. 2010, Development and application of biochemical and haematological reference intervals to identify unhealthy green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas), The Veterinary Journal, 185 pp 299–304 Limpus C. J. 2007 A biological review of Australian marine turtle species. 5. Flatback turtle, Natator depressus (Garman). Queensland Environmental Protection Agency. Limpus C. J. 2008a A biological review of Australian marine turtle species. 2. Green turtle, Chelonia mydas (Linnaeus). ). Queensland Environmental Protection Agency. Limpus C. J. 2008b A biological review of Australian marine turtle species. 1. Loggerhead turtle, Caretta caretta (Linneaus). Queensland Environmental Protection Agency. Limpus C. J. 2009 A biological review of Australian marine turtle species. 3. Hawksbill turtle, Eretmochelys imbricate (Linnaeus). Queensland Environmental Protection Agency.