Which sea turtle species nests in large numbers on Raine Island in the Great Barrier Reef?

The green sea turtle nests in large numbers on Raine Island in the Great Barrier Reef.

Raine Island is a remote coral cay in the northern Great Barrier Reef and one of the world’s most important green turtle nesting sites. Females return to sandy beaches to lay eggs, often showing strong fidelity to their natal or established nesting areas.

The island’s low elevation makes nests vulnerable to flooding, erosion and changes in beach conditions. Conservation work has included reshaping nesting habitat, improving access to beaches and protecting turtles from disturbance.

Raine Island should not be confused with a general name for the entire reef’s turtle habitat. Other marine turtles also occur in the Great Barrier Reef, including loggerheads, hawksbills, flatbacks, leatherbacks and olive ridleys, but Raine Island is especially associated with green turtles.