Sea Turtle Conservation in Australia with AEI
- Australia
- Cairns
About Program
Off the coast of northern Queensland lies the Great Barrier Reef. The reef is one of the seven wonders of the natural world, attracting people hoping to see first-hand the gorgeous diversity of marine life. But unfortunately many of these magnificent marine creatures are in trouble, including the Green Sea Turtles, Flatback, Hawksbill and Olive Ridley Sea Turtles.
Many sea turtles suffer from ‘Floaters Syndrome’ - a condition that causes air to be trapped under their shell. This can be the result of many different threats. Some turtles are the victims of boat strikes, their bodies and shells damaged by the propellers. Others suffer from obstructions in their guts as a result of the ocean rubbish that the turtles eat, mistaking the garbage for food.
Working closely with local veterinarians, their facilities have grown to include an on-shore rehabilitation center, and a pre-release holding area on an island 45 minutes off the coast by boat.
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Program Highlights
- Hands on sea turtle care.
- Island program on the Great Barrier Reef.
- Stay in a downtown hostel (included in fees).
- Free tuition for a volunteering abroad certificate.
- Suitable for first time turtle volunteers and marine biology students alike!
Program Impact
At first glance, traveling each day to a beautiful tropical island to care for several recovering sea turtles may not seem to be changing the world. But this is serious work. By supporting the work of our partner, you are supporting a greater network of organizations, individuals and agencies in their efforts to conserve sea turtles and the habitats where they live. This network includes the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Australia, the EPA National Park Rangers and James Cook University.
The information captured and utilized by the turtle rehabilitation team is often shared with other rehabilitation centres’ both nationally and internationally. The data spans everything from autopsy findings to blood composition and genetic sampling. Members of the team are also involved in a number of research activities including turtle nesting site surveys, marine debris impacts on turtles and feral animal control on and around turtle nesting sites. Every healthy turtle that you help return to the ocean provides a ray of hope - not only for the turtle breeding population but also for sea turtle conservation as a whole.
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