“Queensland has the longest history of marine turtle conservation and management in Australia,” she said.

“Here in Queensland, we have been active in turtle conservation for 86 years, and 50 years ago we became the first jurisdiction in the world to protect all marine turtle species within our borders.

“Queensland is also a special location for these species, as six out of the world’s seven species of marine turtles have been recorded breeding and foraging in Queensland.”

Ms Enoch said the Great Barrier Reef is a turtle hot-spot.

“Four species of marine turtles live in the Whitsundays, or swim through them on their way up and down the Queensland coast, including endangered loggerhead turtles; vulnerable green turtles; vulnerable flatback turtles; and endangered hawksbill turtles.”

Turtles help maintain the health of seagrass beds and coral reefs and feature prominently within the cultural beliefs and practices of many indigenous coastal communities, and are also a key tourism attraction.

“These amazing creatures have nested on parts of Queensland’s coast for thousands of years and it’s important we keep up our conservation efforts to ensure they keep coming back here for generations to come.”

The theme for this year’s World Turtle Day is reducing plastic pollution and it is well known that plastic kills marine wildlife. Plastics from food containers, food wrapping, drink bottles and plastic bags all cause problems.

World Turtle Day is celebrated globally on 23 May each year, and aims to bring attention to, and increase knowledge and respect for turtles worldwide, encouraging people to help them survive.

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