Marine animals at Reef HQ Aquarium are now up for adoption with the start of the aquarium's new 'Adopt a Reef Creature' program.

The new program will allow people around Australia and the world to adopt a humphead wrasse, sponsor a shark, or keep tabs on a turtle.

Reef HQ Aquarium Director Fred Nucifora, said the program recognised the human threats facing marine animals and gave people an opportunity to give back to these animals.

"The financial contribution people make to the program goes directly back to the animal in the form of life necessities such as food, vet supplies and care.

"Adoption parents will also get to come into the aquarium to participate in special programs and have a more personal encounter with their animal."

The adoption package includes:

• E-Newsletters to keep people up-to-date with their adopted animal’s antics at the aquarium
• Information about the biology of the animal
• Information about the threats facing the species in the wild
• Tips on what people can do to help their adopted animal

"This program is a great way for people to help care for marine animals while learning lots of interesting things along the way," Mr Nucifora said.

"A tax deductable Reef HQ Aquarium animal adoption is a good idea for an environmentally-friendly Christmas gift."

In addition to the E-Newsletter updates, there will be free public seminars, guided tours of Reef HQ Aquarium’s new Turtle Hospital and other exhibits, and opportunities to be part of special community action days to clean up local beaches, waterways and to plant native vegetation.

For more information, or to adopt your own Reef HQ Aquarium creature, please contact Laura Dunstan at l.dunstan@gbrmpa.gov.au or (07) 4750 0754.