How to “Save the Turtles”

Turtles need our help to try and increase their numbers and to be sure they won’t disappear from our oceans forever. There are many different foundations that support marine turtle conservation but you can play your part as well.

Did you know…

• There are seven species of marine turtle and six of them are found in Australia.
• Despite migrating thousands of kilometres marine turtles will return to their place of birth in order to nest.
• Only 1 in 1000 turtle hatchlings will make it to reproductive age.

Anyone can help save the turtles

There are a number of programs in Australia dedicated to helping save the marine turtle. On the east coast of Australia there is the Sea Turtle Foundation, Reef HQ’s Turtle Hospital, Ecobarge on the Whitsundays, Cairns Turtle Rehab Centre and the Australian Seabird Rescue, just to name a few.

However, individual actions make a big impact as well.

Only 1 in 1000 turtle hatchlings will make it to reproductive age.

Three ways to make a difference

1. Don’t use single-use plastics

   Plastic pollution is a huge problem for marine turtles and other marine animals, avoid unnecessary use of plastic by carrying reusable bags with you and purchasing bottled water where possible.

2. Go slow for those below

   When boating, it’s important to slow down in shallow areas, this will avoid potentially colliding with marine life, including turtles and dugongs.

3. Reduce light pollution around nesting beaches

   Light pollution on beaches will confuse nesting turtles and hatchlings, this can sometimes mean they stray from the beach and don’t survive.

Let’s work together to keep the turtles swimming.