Reef Guardian students from St. Patrick’s College on the Strand will be working hard to raise awareness of the impacts facing marine turtles during World Turtle Day, this Friday. 

The students will meet with turtle experts from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) and Reef HQ Aquarium’s Lucky T Turtle to present a paper maché turtle sculpture made of rubbish that highlights the impact marine pollution has on turtles. 

GBRMPA Reef Guardian Schools coordinator Ms Megan Sperring said the students would also be performing a poem and song they have written about the plight of the world’s marine turtles. 

“It is wonderful to see such committed students working on such important marine issues. 

“These passionate young people are helping to raise awareness about turtles and other marine animals.” 

Ms Sperring said that turtles around the world were under pressure from growing coastal development, marine pollution, boat strikes and fishing nets. 

“The students are encouraging people to dispose properly of rubbish and to reduce use of plastics, which are particularly harmful to turtles. 

“They are also recommending that people who live near beaches to turn their lights out at night to prevent confusing turtle hatchlings trying to make their way to the ocean. 

“Students are helping to protect marine turtles by educating about the plight of these beautiful animals.”  

Students will present their turtle themed tunes and trash turtle sculpture to turtle experts and Lucky T Turtle outside Reef HQ Aquarium Friday, 23 May, 12:00 pm.