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Threats to survival include the following examples

• The destruction of nesting habitat by clearing natural vegetation through beach development
• Uncontrolled vehicle access destroying dune profiles and vegetation
• Uncontrolled beach lighting (see Effects of Lighting)
• Ingestion of synthetic materials (nets, fishing line)

• Boat strike
• Predation of eggs or adults by illegal poaching
• Predation of eggs or hatchlings by domestic and feral animals
• The increase in the incidence of disease and cancerous tumours
• Incidental capture in shark control programs

Major threats to sea turtles are cause from the effects of:

• Coastal development pressures including growing recreational use of beach areas
• The illegal harvesting of adult turtles and eggs
• The predation of eggs and hatchlings by domestic and feral animals
• Incidental mortality from commercial and recreational fisheries practices
• A rise in the incidence of diseases
• The increase of the greenhouse effects (sea level rise)

How can you help?

• Assume all beaches are nesting beaches
• Never throw plastic bags, fish lines or other rubbish on the beach, in any waterways or into the sea
• Refuse to buy sea turtle products
• When boating, watch out for turtles
• Protect nesting beaches
• Keep vehicles off nesting beaches
• Do not light fires on nesting beaches
• Leave nesting sites undisturbed
• Keep all lighting to a minimum in beach areas
• Keep dogs on a leash on the beach
• Report dead, sick and injured sea turtles to the marine stranding hotline
• Report the place and date of sea turtle sightings to the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service

There are many different threats to sea turtle survival.  Find out how you can help..