| Green Turtles live in tropical, warm waters and commonly nest along the Queensland coast.
Like all sea turtles Green Turtles are threatened by human activity bringing changes to their habitat. These threats include:
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Coastal development and the intrusion of humans, dogs and feral animals into turtles’ nesting grounds. |
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Plastic bags and other plastic debris washed into the ocean where turtles can mistakenly eat them, leading to death. |
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Ghost nets which sometimes catch and drown turtles. |
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Deep sea fishing nets that can trap and drown turtles. |
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Humans and other animals hunting turtles for food or their shells or taking their eggs. |
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Sea turtles’ late breeding age (between 30-50 years) means they must survive many dangers before they can breed. |
All marine life faces the threats of global warming, pollution and over-exploitation. So please care for our oceans by following these tips:
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Eat only sustainably fished species of seafood. For example: Do not eat Orange Roughy (or Sea Perch).
Read more in Australia’s Sustainable Seafood Guide from the Australian Marine Conservation Society. |
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Never pollute. Rubbish you throw away on land is often washed into the sea through rivers and storm water drains. When at sea store your rubbish and bring it back to land to dispose of safely. |
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Adhere to fishing regulations about catch size and never take more than you need. Bring home all your gear including nets and lines. |
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If camping on or near the beach ensure you’re not intruding on animals’ habitats, especially at nesting time. |
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When at the beach or in coastal habitats take care not to disturb animals. Don’t take home mementos of eggs, shells, coral, hermit crabs etc. They belong in their homes not in yours. |
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Desex your cats and dogs and don’t let them go feral. Keep them in at night so they don’t go hunting. Keep dogs on the lead when near animal nesting sites. |
Ocean links
Australian Marine Conservation Society
www.amcs.org.au
Carpentaria Ghost Nets Programme
www.ghostnets.com.au
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
www.gbrmpa.gov.au
Greenpeace Ocean Defenders
http://oceans.greenpeace.org/en/
IOSEA Marine Turtle Memorandum of Understanding
www.ioseaturtles.org
Marine turtles
www.worldwildlife.org/turtles/index.cfm
Oceana
www.oceana.org
Project Aware
www.projectaware.org
Seas the Day
http://seastheday.theoceanproject.org
Seaturtle Restoration Project
www.seaturtles.org
Surfrider Foundation Australia
www.surfrider.org.au
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