Despite a common misconception, marine turtles are frequently observed in New Zealand waters. This misconception is due mainly to the lack of sightings being reported by observers. The bigfish project aims to change this by collecting marine turtle sighting data so that we can build a better picture of the distribution of these highly endangered species in our waters.

Marine turtles have been recorded in New Zealand waters for over 120 years, with the first documented record being of a loggerhead turtle in 1885. In fact, since then, five species have been reported from New Zealand, including the green turtle (Chelonia mydas), loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta), leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), and olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea). All five species are known to range throughout the Pacific Ocean, with those found here are likely to derive from breeding populations along the east coast of Australia, the islands of Melanesia and Polynesia, and possibly as far as east as the west coast of South America.

Most marine turtle sightings occur in northern New Zealand over the continental shelf along both coasts, while the leatherback turtle has been reported from as far north as the Kermadec Islands, to as far south as the Otago and east to the Chatham Islands. Two most commonly encountered species are the green and leatherback turtles. Although you are more likely to encounter a marine turtle during the warmer summer months, sightings do occur year round. Stranded and/or injured animals are also found year round. Marine turtles do not breed in New Zealand.

To learn more about each species follow the links below to the Department of Conservation

PUT LINKS HERE (once they are put online on the DOC webpage)