Marine Species Conservation

Marine turtle species

• Biology and research
• Conservation and management
• Indigenous significance
• Flatback turtle
• Green turtle
• Hawksbill turtle
• Leatherback turtle
• Loggerhead turtle
• Olive Ridley turtle

See also

• Newsletter
• Recovery plan
• National partnership approach to sustainable harvest
• Olive Ridley nesting and foraging grounds

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Marine turtles and Indigenous culture

Marine turtles have important cultural and social values for Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders living in coastal areas of northern Australia. They are an essential food item for some of the island communities in the Torres Strait where there are few other sources of fresh red meat. Eggs of marine turtles are also an important source of protein. Torres Strait Islanders have one of the highest seafood consumption rates in the world.

Green turtles are hunted more regularly than the other species. Hawksbill turtles are rarely hunted because they can be poisonous or unpleasant to eat.

Most turtles are taken in the later part of the year, during the breeding season.

In a few communities, marine turtles are taken in large numbers for traditional feasting.

Harvested turtles and eggs are shared equally among relatives and friends of the hunters. Turtle oil is used as a medicine or tonic.

Indigenous communities promote the results of research carried out in collaboration with a number of research and management organisations. They regulate access to some traditional hunting areas. They also monitor harvesting activities to help them effectively plan for the sustainable use of marine turtles.