Turtle hatching restricts beach access

Night-time vehicle access on Cable Beach has been restricted, with temporary closures in place for turtle-nesting season

The Cable Beach north access ramp is closed to vehicles from 8pm to 6am until February 25.

The ramp will also be closed two hours either side of high tides of 9m or more.

Deputy Broome Shire president Desiree Male said the gate installed at the Cable Beach Amphitheatre access ramp would be locked during the temporary closures.

“The main species nesting on Cable Beach is the flatback turtle, which is threatened and is protected under WA legislation,” she said.

“They generally nest at the top of the beach above the high tide mark where their nests can be damaged by vehicles compacting sand and crushing nests.

“Wheel ruts can also prevent hatchlings making their way to the water, and vehicle lights can disturb and confuse hatchlings.”

The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions’ Yawuru Rangers will put up protection signage at the front of turtle nests to help raise awareness.

The Cable Beach Turtle Monitoring program will begin on Thursday, November 1, with volunteers walking on Cable Beach early each morning to record signs of turtle-nesting activity.