It's not every day that you get to support the conservation of a vulnerable species at work.
Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) advisor Jenna Howe got to play a hands-on role in monitoring Flatback Turtles on the beaches of Barrow Island, Western Australia, as part of Chevron Australia's environmental protection and management program.
Barrow Island is a significant breeding and nesting area for sea turtles and its surrounding waters support coral reefs and a diversity of tropical marine animals. The island is a Class A Nature Reserve and an important nesting habitat for the Flatback Turtle population.
As part of its commitment to the environment, Chevron conducts monitoring activities on the Flatback Turtle population each year. People working on the island are given the opportunity to assist in these turtle tagging and monitoring programs. Demonstrating their dedication to sustainability and being focused on what is important to our client, Jenna and several of her Ventia colleagues have seized the opportunity to participate in these programs.
The opportunity to participate in caring for our environment, and the fauna native to Barrow Island, is truly a unique experience and one I'll hold onto for the rest of my career, I'm sure.
Jenna was able to assist in tagging activities, and data monitoring which is used to protect the turtle population. This offered the opportunity to learn about the importance of conducting operations safely and sustainably, as well as seeing the turtles up close, even getting to see a few hatchlings.
Jenna and the team are committed to sustainability. They have been participating in environmental initiatives and programs such as the turtle tagging program, reef walks and fauna spotlighting wherever possible.
'What a privilege it has been for our Ventia team to take part in an environmental monitoring program, like this, within our first six months on the Maintenance Services Contract with Chevron Australia.'