Raine Island, Protected coral cay in Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Raine Island is a vegetated coral cay within the Great Barrier Reef and hosts the largest green turtle nesting ground in the world. The island spans roughly 32 hectares and draws tens of thousands of female turtles each breeding season.
A stone beacon built in 1844 by convict workers for the British Admiralty remains the oldest European structure in tropical Australia. This monument marks early British navigation efforts and presence in the reef region.
The Wuthathi and Torres Strait Islander peoples hold ongoing connections to the island through a land use agreement with Queensland authorities. This arrangement lets them maintain their relationship with the place and participate in its stewardship.
Access to the island is restricted and requires special permits to protect the nesting sites. Visitors can only reach the surrounding waters by authorized long-range diving vessels.
Over 30 different seabird species breed on the island, making it one of the most significant tropical nesting grounds within the entire reef system. This bird population plays an equally vital role in the ecosystem as the turtle colony.
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