ABC News 26 Jan 10;
Queensland marine researchers say restrictions imposed on the fishing industry have triggered a landmark nesting season for Bundaberg's endangered sea turtles.
About 400 loggerhead turtles have laid eggs at Mon Repos, near Bundaberg, since November last year.
Dr Col Limpus, from the state Department of Environment and Resource Management, says more turtles are reaching the breeding age of about 30 years.
"It wasn't until 2000 that we had the fisheries regulations requiring the use of turtle exclusion devices, or TEDS, so that turtles didn't drown in the prawn trawl," Dr Limpus said.
"Now, eight years after the legislation became effective, we're seeing our population no longer declining but actually in a recovery mode."
