Green turtle (Chelonia mydas) nesting in the Gulf of Carpentaria represents a regionally important and genetically distinct rookery with deep cultural significance to Traditional Owners. The Wellesley Islands support key nesting and foraging habitats; however, Traditional Owners have raised increasing concerns regarding environmental degradation, particularly loss of seagrass, more frequent observations of malnourished turtles, and perceived population declines. Despite these concerns, the region remains poorly studied in Western science due to its remoteness, resulting in limited baseline information on turtle health, reproduction, and exposure to environmental stressors.
This Indigenous‑led study integrates nesting surveys, maternal health assessments, and advanced biochemical and omics approaches to establish the first comprehensive baseline of reproductive performance, physiological condition, and contaminant exposure for green turtles of the Wellesley Islands. The application of functional omics in this remote setting is unique and provides novel insight into sub‑clinical physiological responses, particularly in relation to PFAS and other contaminants. By examining maternal transfer to eggs and biochemical pathways linked to stress, immunity, and energy metabolism, this work offers rare insight into the potential impacts of contaminants across generations. The significance of this study lies in its Indigenous‑led design, its innovative use of omics to detect early warning signals, and its delivery of robust baseline data for an understudied region. Together, these outcomes restructure how marine research is conducted with Traditional Owners as leaders and provide a critical foundation for future monitoring, research, and adaptive management for marine turtles/