Rare Sighting of Enormous Leatherback Turtle in Port Stephens Bay
Port Stephens has become the stage for an extraordinary marine encounter, with local fishing charter operator Paul Lennon capturing remarkable footage of a massive leatherback sea turtle during a recent expedition. The endangered reptile, estimated to weigh around 700 kilograms, presented a rare spectacle for Lennon and his guests as it navigated the bay's northern waters near Jimmy's Beach.
An Unexpected Marine Giant
Paul Lennon from Fish Port Stephens Estuary Charters initially noticed unusual commotion in the water during his charter trip. "We just spotted a bit of commotion in the water at the start and what looked like a fin," Lennon recalled. "I thought maybe it was a shark or a dolphin. Then it popped up again and splashed around a bit more."
The experienced operator, familiar with Port Stephens' marine inhabitants, found himself puzzled by the creature's size and behavior. "I kept watching it and I couldn't work it out," he admitted. "Kept popping up every few minutes and we could get a glimpse. We could see it was a big, big creature."
As they cautiously approached, the true identity of the marine visitor became clear. "I am pretty accustomed to seeing sea turtles in Port Stephens, we are pretty famous for it, so I've seen them all the time, but this one was different," Lennon explained. "I've never seen anything like it size-wise, it was massive, a real monster."
Unusual Behavior and Feeding Patterns
The leatherback turtle displayed particularly interesting behavior during the encounter. Lennon's footage revealed the enormous creature feeding on a cow-nosed ray, which represents unusual dietary behavior for a species known to primarily consume jellyfish. "He seemed to have a cow-nosed ray in its mouth which is unusual as they usually eat things like jellyfish," Lennon noted.
Leatherback turtles represent the largest turtle species on Earth, capable of reaching weights up to 750 kilograms. Their distinctive elongated shape and typically shy nature make sightings in estuarine environments particularly uncommon. "They tend to stay out to sea more often, and don't often come into the estuaries as often," Lennon explained, highlighting the rarity of this Port Stephens visitation.
Thriving Marine Ecosystem in Port Stephens
This remarkable sighting coincides with what Lennon describes as a particularly vibrant period for Port Stephens' marine environment. "A lot of bait in the area, so a lot of animals are feeding on them," he observed, noting abundant nutrients and baitfish attracting diverse marine life.
The charter operator reported multiple significant sightings recently, including:
- Exceptionally large flathead specimens in the bay
- Regular fairy penguin appearances
- Numerous seabirds including pelicans and cormorants
- Several shark sightings
"Everything is looking very healthy at the moment, a lot of food in the water, a lot of nutrients," Lennon commented. "The fish come and so do the bigger predators."
Positive Outlook for Peak Fishing Season
With the peak fishing season approaching in March, April, and May, Lennon remains optimistic about Port Stephens' marine prospects. "We will see species start to spawn so there will be a lot of life being pushed into our estuary systems," he predicted, suggesting that nutrient-rich conditions will continue supporting diverse marine populations.
This leatherback turtle sighting not only provides a rare glimpse of an endangered marine giant but also serves as an indicator of Port Stephens' healthy and productive marine ecosystem. The encounter highlights the importance of conservation efforts for vulnerable species while showcasing the natural wonders that continue to emerge in Australia's coastal waters.
