The 5th Australian Marine Turtle Symposium was held from 19–22 October 2020 and hosted by the Australian Seabird and Turtle Rescue in Ballina. This marked a significant milestone in the history of the symposium. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated travel restrictions, the event was delivered virtually via Facebook Live, allowing participants from across Australia and beyond to connect, share knowledge and continue important discussions on marine turtle research and conservation. Despite the challenges of the year, the symposium maintained its strong tradition of bringing together researchers, Indigenous ranger groups, conservation practitioners, rehabilitation organisations, government agencies, students and community volunteers.

While delegates attended online, the symposium was hosted from Ballina, New South Wales, by the Australian Sea Turtle Symposium organising committee. The virtual format provided a unique opportunity for broader participation, enabling many attendees who may not otherwise have been able to travel to engage with the event.

The symposium showcased a diverse range of presentations covering marine turtle biology, ecology, conservation and management. Topics included nesting beach monitoring, climate change impacts, rehabilitation and veterinary care, marine debris and plastic pollution, Indigenous-led conservation programs, migration and movement ecology, and emerging research technologies. Presenters shared findings from projects undertaken throughout Australia and neighbouring regions, highlighting the importance of collaboration in addressing threats facing marine turtle populations. A highlight of the symposium was the live necropsy of an olive ridley turtle, a green turtle and hawksbill turtle conducted by Dr. Duane March, a leading veterinarian and researcher specializing in sea turtle health and rehabilitation in NSW.

Although the 2020 symposium lacked the traditional face-to-face networking opportunities, it demonstrated the resilience and adaptability of Australia’s marine turtle community. The success of the virtual event ensured that valuable scientific knowledge continued to be exchanged during a period of global uncertainty and reinforced the importance of maintaining strong connections between researchers, managers and volunteers.

The 5th Australian Marine Turtle Symposium will be remembered as the first fully virtual symposium, proving that even in challenging times, the marine turtle community remains committed to advancing research, conservation and education for Australia’s marine turtles.

The 5th Australian Marine Turtle Symposium was held virtually via Facebook Live in October 2020. Watch the recording of Dr Duane March below.