St. Michael’s Student Saves Turtles with Cans

St. Michael’s College, Caboolture Year 6 student Nate Siver has been described as “inspiring” by Diane Oxenford, Coordinator of Bribie Island Turtle Trackers, after presenting the group with a generous cheque.

Nate has spent the year collecting and recycling cans, raising an impressive $854.90 to support turtle conservation. His journey began when he was selected as a Tangalooma EcoMarines Ambassador, a role that ignited his passion for protecting marine life.

“My friends and teacher, they’ve been supporting me throughout my time collecting them (cans to recycle),” Nate said in the video above, reflecting on the encouragement he received from his school and community.

Kylie Hankins, a Health & Safety Advisor and IT Education Assistant at St. Michael’s College and a member of Bribie Island Turtle Trackers, highlighted the school’s culture of community care.

“The teachers, our whole (school) community are very interested in all parts of the community, including the environment,” Ms. Hankins said. “Teachers who care for the individual students and their development, not just academic but the whole wellbeing.”

Nate’s dedication supports the vital conservation efforts for Moreton Bay, which is home to six of the world’s seven marine turtle species, including green and loggerhead turtles. These turtles rely on the region’s beaches, such as Woorim Beach on Bribie Island and Redcliffe’s sandy shores, for nesting.

Female turtles return to their birthplace to lay eggs during the nesting season, which spans from November to April. Each nest may hold up to 125 eggs, and females often nest multiple times in a season. However, loggerhead turtles face immense survival challenges, with only an estimated 1 in 1,000 hatchlings reaching maturity.

Human activities significantly threaten turtles and their habitats. Key dangers include:

– Marine debris, such as plastics and discarded fishing gear

– Boat strikes

– Accidental capture in fisheries

– Nest damage from vehicles

– Predation by feral animals like foxes and pigs

– Artificial lighting disrupting nesting and hatchling navigation

Efforts like Nate’s help combat these threats and raise awareness of the need for collective action. Through his initiative, Nate not only contributed to turtle conservation but also inspired his community to care for the environment.

The funds raised by Nate will support Bribie Island Turtle Trackers in their mission to protect and monitor turtle populations. His story is a powerful reminder that one individual, with determination and community support, can make a significant impact on the world.