The loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) nesting population in Western Australia is estimated to consist of about 1,500 females, and is consequently the largest nesting population in Australia. However, while the Eastern Australian stock has been extensively studied and monitored since 1968, no long-term data is available for any Western Australian index beach. Dirk Hartog Island, within the Shark Bay World Heritage Area (Gascoyne region), is by far the largest loggerhead turtle nesting ground in Australia and current data suggests that loggerhead turtles nesting at Dirk Hartog Island represent 70-75% of nesting loggerheads found in the whole Eastern Indian Ocean. This study aims to assess several biotic and abiotic factors affecting hatching and emergence success in two loggerhead turtle nesting beaches in Western Australia: Turtle Bay on Dirk Hartog Island and the smaller mainland nesting beach located at the Bungelup section of Cape Range National Park (North West Cape Peninsula, Pilbara region)
