Wildlife volunteers and authorities have been left devastated after a turtle nest they had monitored for months was destroyed just days before hatching.

The alleged act human intervention occurred at Broken Head on the evening of April 8, according to the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).

The nest had been closely monitored since January 22 by TurtleWatch volunteers, with hatching imminent.

Up to 80 eggs were in the nest, most of which are now feared to have been destroyed.

NPWS said the incident had been deeply upsetting for staff and volunteers involved in protecting the nest.

“The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service is aware of an alleged act of harm in relation to a green turtle nest at Broken Head,” a spokesperson said.

“This is distressing for NPWS staff, and the NSW TurtleWatch volunteers who have been monitoring the nest since January 22.”

Green turtles are listed as vulnerable in NSW and face a range of threats along the North Coast.

Major threats include mega tides, predators and, as is feared in this instance, human activity.

Beaches across the Ballina and Byron coastline are considered important nesting areas for marine turtles.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

Photos: Infant green turtles saved by volunteers from a nest at Hawkes Nest monitored by NSW National Parks last year. Credit: NSWNPWS

Anyone with information is urged to contact the NSW Environment Line on 131 555 or email info@environment.nsw.gov.au.

NPWS said it could not comment further while investigations are ongoing.