Happy sea turtle day! Today is an opportunity to celebrate some of the ocean's most remarkable creatures and raise awareness about the challenges they face.

There are seven species of sea turtles found around the world: the Flatback, Kemp's Ridley, Olive Ridley, Hawksbill, Leatherback, Green and Loggerhead turtles. All seven species are protected under international and national laws, making it illegal to intentionally capture, injure or kill them at any stage of their lives.

Sea turtles are highly migratory animals, travelling vast distances between feeding grounds and nesting areas. They spend almost their entire lives at sea, with only female turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs.

However, increasing human activity over the past two decades has placed enormous pressure on these ancient mariners. Accidental capture in fishing gear, habitat destruction, marine pollution, increased boat traffic and the growing amount of plastic waste in our seas are all threatening their survival.

Climate change is creating another challenge. For Loggerhead turtles, the temperature of the nest during incubation determines the sex of hatchlings. Temperatures below 29°C produce mostly males, while warmer nests produce predominantly females. As global temperatures continue to rise, the imbalance between male and female hatchlings is becoming more pronounced, raising concerns about future breeding populations.

Despite these threats, growing public awareness and conservation efforts are giving hope for the future.

If you encounter an injured sea turtle, please call 9999 9505 for assistance. Should you witness a turtle coming ashore to nest, give her plenty of space and avoid shining bright lights in her direction, allowing her to continue this important and delicate process undisturbed.

Together, we can help ensure that sea turtles continue to grace our oceans for generations to come.