Image credit: Upwell Turtles
Launched in October 2024, the Queensland Marine Turtle Network’s Steering Group is pleased to announce the appointment of its first Coordinator, Dr Sean Williamson.
Sean brings a wealth of related experience to QMTN, with a decade of experience in marine megafauna research, conservation, and project management and a passion for grassroots marine turtle conservation.
Sean has extensive experience working with diverse stakeholders, including NGOs, industry, government agencies, volunteer organisations, and academic institutions. Sean’s PhD and postdoctoral research focused on sea turtle ecology and physiology.
Working part-time, Sean’s role over the next 12 months will be to run the process to elect a QMTN Management Committee to continue the work of our fabulous Steering Group.
Sean will also oversee communication initiatives including a website and newsletter for the group’s members and support collaboration with the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) and research providers to support training and research.
Sean Williamson
Members of the QMTN’s Steering Group warmly welcome Sean to the role and would like to thank the twenty organizations that have already joined the Network.
QMTN’s Steering Group include Ainsley Gatley and John Gatley (Sea Turtle Alliance), Mike Gregory (Nest to Ocean Program), Prof. Mark Hamann (JCU: James Cook University, Australia), Kate Hofmeister (Sunshine Coast Council), Jennifer Loder (Great Barrier Reef Foundation – observer), Nev and Bev McLachlan (Turtlecare Volunteers Queensland) and Misty Neilson (Burnett Catchment Care Association (BCCA)).
The QMTN coordinator role is being funded by the Great Barrier Reef Foundation’s Reef Trust Partnership with the Australian Government.
Sean looks forward to working with you all over the next 12 months to enhance the conservation of marine turtles in Queensland.
For more information or to reach out to Sean direct please contact him via the QMTN’s email QMTNForum@gmail.com.
