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, fishing 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