Marine Turtles

The GBRMPA is a proud sponsor of the 29th Symposium on Sea Turtle Biology and Conservation

Marine turtles are often called the ancient mariners of the sea. They have been swimming in the sea for more than 150 million years, first appearing during the age of the dinosaurs. Turtles have changed little since, maintaining an aquatic existence and only coming 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 World Heritage Area. Some species such as the loggerhead and green turtle 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.

Much of the information known about marine turtles in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area comes from research conducted over the past 30 years by the Queensland Turtle Research Program of the Queensland Environmental Protection Agency/Queensland Parks and Wildlife (QEPA/QPW) and from the local knowledge of Indigenous people and fishers. Contributions from the people involved in acquiring and providing this information is gratefully acknowledged.

Cultural connections

Marine turtles are an essential element of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander living maritime culture along the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. The activities associated with the hunting of turtles and the preparation and sharing of the meat has great significance and is an expression of the continuance of long cultural traditions. Turtle shell is important to many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, as historically it was often fashioned into combs and fishhooks. In remote coastal areas, green turtles have a high social and economic value because they provide subsistence food to communities where a nourishing diet is essential but often expensive to attain. In addition, these marine food resources strengthen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and demonstrate connection with traditional sea country.