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They have roamed the oceans for centuries.
Cupped in the palm of your hand, a newborn loggerhead turtle scarcely fills the space. Its large, boofy head (hence the name) supports a powerful jaw that as a one-metre adult breaks the shells of invertebrates, delivering an indispensable calcium supply to other marine species that in turn feed on loggerhead shells.
The loggerhead turtle’s role in marine ecosystems is pivotal.
But in the last decade, discarded crab pots, boat strikes and by-catch have compromised turtle populations. And in Moreton Bay Queensland, in their chosen back yard where they retreat to a diminutive assembly of protected mangroves and sea grasses, they remain largely unprotected.
To restore and boost critical loggerhead turtle populations in Moreton Bay Marine Park, peak marine protection group the Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) will host an inaugural Charity Art Auction and art sale, complemented with bubbly, canapés and marine art on Friday August 24 at the State Library of Queensland from 6pm to 9pm.
AMCS patron and Australian author Tim Winton will deliver an address. Michael Choy, Parliamentary Secretary for Environment Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr, will attend.
Winton, who has been involved with the AMCS for more than a decade, said current levels of marine protection were inadequate.
“I was utterly gob-smacked to discover that less than one per cent of the Bay is properly protected. No other Australian city has anything like Moreton Bay. But one per cent protection? Are you serious?” he said.
About 30 oils, sculptures, photographs and watercolours, including cartoonist Michael Leunig’s endearing ‘Dugong’ and Ralph Wilson’s ‘Freshwater Pond, Little Sand Hills’ of Moreton Island, will be up for auction.
Art prices will range from a few hundred dollars to $10,000.
Time: 6pm – 9pm
Cost: $25 per person
Tim Winton Address: 7pm
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