Conservation is an important part of what we do at SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast. Our aim is to help guests discover the wonder of the ocean while inspiring everyone to help protect its future.
Our conservation work is guided by SEA LIFE’s three key pillars: Rescue, Restore and Protect. This includes caring for marine animals in need, supporting the recovery of habitats and species, and helping raise awareness of the challenges facing our oceans.
SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast has a particularly strong focus on marine turtle rescue and rehabilitation. Since the aquarium first opened, the team has cared for many sick and injured turtles found along the Queensland coastline. Where possible, rescued turtles are rehabilitated with the goal of returning them to the ocean once they are healthy enough to be released.
Turtles may require care for a range of reasons, including plastic ingestion, entanglement in fishing equipment, boat strikes and other human-related impacts. Our animal care team works alongside local organisations, volunteers and wildlife authorities to give these animals the best possible chance of recovery.
Conservation at SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast also includes research, education and community initiatives. Research plays an important role in improving our understanding of marine species and their habitats, while activities such as beach cleans help raise awareness of plastic pollution and encourage people to take practical steps to protect the environment.
We also support the wider work of the SEA LIFE Trust, an international marine conservation charity working to protect oceans, marine wildlife and habitats around the world.
You can learn more about our current projects, turtle rehabilitation work, conservation research and ways you can help by visiting the SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Conservation page.