Seagulls are becoming a major threat to native species on Australia's Great Barrier Reef.

Experts say they've come up with an unique solution to curb their growing numbers.

Not just pesky chip stealers, seagulls are a major threat to native wildlife in the southern part of the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.

On Heron Island off the coast of Gladstone, seagulls prey on turtle hatchlings, and the young chicks of native birds, decreasing the survival rates of several struggling species.

"Now we think seagulls are a natural predator out here on the island, so they do have their place out here, but it's their sheer numbers which are becoming of concern," says Shearer.

It's unnecessary pressure on vulnerable green sea turtles and endangered loggerheads, which are already battling the impacts of climate change.
Rangers have come up with an ingenious way to curb the population.

"What they do is they remove the eggs, and then they put pandanus seeds. Have you seen pandanus seeds? They look like eggs. So they remove the eggs, you put the pandanus seeds and they keep incubating the pandanus seeds for months," says Cervino.

Guests here on Heron Island are encouraged to protect turtle hatchlings by scaring the seagulls away. On the mainland, you can help by keeping your chips to yourself.