DETSI x STF Stranding Workshop builds skills and confidence for turtle responders.
On 16 November 2025, the Sea Turtle Foundation was proud to join the Queensland Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) in delivering the Marine Turtle Stranding Training Workshop at the Sands Tavern on the Sunshine Coast. The session welcomed 29 attendees representing a wide range of organisations, including Turtle Care, Coolum and North Shore Coast Care, Noosa Council, Teewah Turtle Trackers, Wildlife Russell Island, Running Wild, DETSI and the Sea Turtle Foundation.
It was wonderful to see representatives from so many different groups come together, stretching from Moreton Bay’s southern bay islands all the way up to Teewah Beach in the north. The strong turnout reflected just how committed our coastal communities are to enhancing marine turtle conservation and response capabilities.
The workshop covered several key components essential to effective stranding response. Participants engaged with overviews of turtle population dynamics, the DETSI stranding hotline and communication protocols, body condition assessment techniques, and appropriate carcass disposal methods. A comprehensive discussion on the rehabilitation process helped paint a clearer picture of the broader work involved in supporting marine turtles throughout their recovery journey.
One of the standout elements of the day was the hands-on, practical training. Attendees practiced vital field skills, including data collection methods, turtle identification, and how to manage a range of localised stranding scenarios, such as crab pot entanglement, boat strikes, live strandings, and deceased turtle strandings. These applied exercises ensured everyone left with meaningful, real-world experience.
There was an impressive range of expertise in the room, from individuals brand new to stranding response to seasoned volunteers refreshing their skills. The enthusiasm and professionalism displayed by all participants made it an absolute pleasure to meet, collaborate, and share experiences.
By the end of the workshop, attendees reported feeling more confident in responding to turtle strandings, using QWildlife for reporting, and undertaking key aspects of data collection such as species identification and measuring.
Events like this highlight the power of shared knowledge and collaboration in protecting Queensland’s marine turtles. We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who joined us for this important training session.