Turtle Rescues

Reef HQ has a very proud reputation for assisting in the rescue and rehabilitation of sick and injured sea creatures. Since opening Reef HQ has been responsible for the rehabilitation and release of many sick and injured sea creatures including marine turtles.

Marine turtles are often called the ancient mariners of the sea. They have been swimming in the ocean for more then 150 million years, first appearing during the age of the dinosaur. Turtles have changed little since then, maintaining an aquatic existence and coming only ashore to lay eggs, producing another generation to swim the seas.

Six of the world's seven species of marine turtle live in the waters around Australia, and all occur within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Some species, such as the Loggerhead and Green Turtles are seen frequently; while others such as the Olive Ridley and Leatherback are known to occur in the Great Barrier Reef but are seldom seen.

The biggest threat to marine turtles are human activities caused from boat strikes, fishing hooks, ingestion of plastics and floating syndrome.

Reef HQ Aquarium currently works with agencies such as the Queensland Environmental Protection Agency, James Cook University and a local veterinary clinic to rehabilitate and release sick or injured turtles.

Before: Alva's Rehabilitation	After: Alva's Rehabilitation