Sea turtles are the ancient mariners of the world’s oceans.

In their journey from hatchlings - leaving the beach to spend years circulating with the ocean currents, to adulthood - returning to the same area to mate and produce the next generation of baby turtles, they will cross many international borders.

Every year, thousands of visitors at turtle rookeries around the world cheer as hatchlings emerge from their nest deep within the sand and make their first journey down the beach. To watch a turtle gracefully swimming underwater and be mesmerised as a nesting female digs her nest to lay eggs, are experiences to always remember.

Turtles are significant to many cultures as a symbol of strength and wisdom, often revered as a god or as bringing good luck. They are an iconic animal, and have been an important food in many lands.

But they are disappearing. Today sea turtles face problems at a scale they have never had to deal with before - habitat destruction, pollution, marine debris, climate change, disease, fishing activities and hunting.

Sea Turtle Foundation is working to make sure there are turtles for tomorrow, for everyone to enjoy. Please help us.

The Australian Geographic Turtle Race has started! Follow our four green turtles in their adventure from nesting at Raine Island to their home feeding grounds

You can also read more about the research here

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