East coast freshwater turtle guide

Guide summary

This guide is for commercial fishers operating in the Queensland eel fishery and contains only those freshwater turtle species that inhabit waters covered by that fishery.  It can also help recreational fishers identify turtle species.  All native turtles are protected wildlife in Queensland and must be released if caught accidentally.

The guide explains terms used to describe parts of freshwater turtle anatomy, provides a key by catchment, which includes diagrams and explanations and a photo identification key showing examples of freshwater turtles at the genus and species levels.

Download the guide