Rolling up sleeves to keep Avoid Island clean
Even the most remote places need our care to stay clean. During their October visit to Avoid Island, members of the QTFN Board rolled up their sleeves to remove debris that had washed ashore on this remote sanctuary — a haven where turtles nest, migratory birds soar, and diverse ecosystems thrive in peace.
Each piece of rubbish collected is a step toward safeguarding this precious island for future generations. Protecting places like Avoid Island takes consistent, hands-on effort and a shared commitment to care for nature.
Despite its isolation, Avoid Island is not immune to the impacts of marine debris carried by ocean currents. Plastics, fishing gear, and other waste materials often wash ashore, posing risks to nesting turtles, seabirds, and the island’s delicate coastal ecosystems. The Board’s clean-up was a reminder that even small actions — like collecting a single piece of rubbish — contribute to a larger effort to protect wildlife and maintain the integrity of this special place.
The visit also offered an opportunity to see first-hand some of the species that make Avoid Island so special. A flatback turtle seen nesting on the last day was a great reminder of why ensuring the beaches are clean is so important. Maintaining a clean and healthy environment is vital to ensuring that turtles and other wildlife can continue to breed and thrive undisturbed.
The team left with a renewed appreciation for the challenges of managing remote island ecosystems — and for the collective responsibility we all share in caring for them. Every visit, every cleanup, and every piece of data collected adds up to lasting protection for one of the southern Great Barrier Reef’s only privately-owned Nature Refuges.
