Take a 'Shellfie' to Help Save Our Threatened Sea Turtles

Sophie Monk

The SEA LIFE Conservation Fund, in partnership with SEA LIFE aquariums across Australia and New Zealand, has announced the launch of the #turtleshellfie campaign – a fun, one-month long, social media campaign engaging turtle lovers around Australia and New Zealand to help raise much needed awareness and funds for turtle conservation.

The campaign will encourage the Australian public to upload their best 'Turtle Shellfie' – a selfie impersonating a turtle or with a turtle on www.facebook.com/sealifeconservation using the hash tag #turtleshellfie for their own social media channels, and coincides with World Turtle Day on 23 May 2014.

Why do these loveable and gentle creatures that roam the wide oceans need our help? In the wild, sea turtles face many obstacles to their survival. Of the seven marine species which occur mostly in Australian waters, as many as six are listed from vulnerable through to critically endangered, all because of human impacts such as hunting, boat strikes, habitat destruction and plastic pollution.

“Sea turtles are some of the most amazing and endangered animals on the planet that have been around since pre-historic times. They play a vital part in our marine ecosystem so if they were to be removed from the system other animals in our oceans would suffer. As a strong advocate of the sea and its inhabitants, our Turtle Shellfie project is a critical call to action to raise knowledge of the plight of turtles so we can all come together as a nation to celebrate and preserve their existence,” said Claudette Rechtorik, SEA LIFE Conservation Fund Manager.

All the turtle 'shellfies' will feature alongside celebrity turtle supporters including singer, actress and model Sophie Monk, TV wildlife presenter David Whitehill and Totally Wild presenter Natalie Hunter in a Facebook online gallery to demonstrate that Australians back the protection of turtles.

Members of the public that upload their #turtleshellfie to the SEA LIFE Conservation Fund Facebook page will receive a discounted SEA LIFE aquarium voucher, and for each voucher redeemed, SEA LIFE will donate $2.50 to the SEA LIFE Conservation Fund to help protect endangered turtles and assist in a tag and release program via www.turtlewatch.org.au for the rehabilitation of turtles in the wild.

'Turtle Shellfies' uploaded to the SEA LIFE Conservation Fund Facebook page will also go into the draw to win a fantastic turtle experience holiday on the Sunshine Coast.

“It's all about being creative and a bit daring with your Shellfie so we can inspire everyone to join in the fun. Every little action an individual makes can impact a sea turtle's survival so take a Shellfie this month to help save them. Happy snapping!” added Claudette.

With their Breed, Rescue, Protect program, SEA LIFE Conservation Fund is committed to conserving Australia's unique aquatic animals and their habitats. A centre of excellence on marine conservation and education, the much-loved attractions have installed dedicated rescue and rehabilitation facilities for sick and injured sea life and encourage visitors to actively participate in its efforts to safeguard the marine environment and its population.

Discounted SEA LIFE Aquarium voucher valid for all SEA LIFE attractions in Australia and New Zealand including:

• SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
• Manly SEA LIFE Sanctuary
• SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
• UnderwaterWorld SEA LIFE Mooloolaba
• Kelly Tarlton's SEA LIFE Aquarium (NZ)

For more information, terms and conditions and to upload your #turtleshellfie, please visit: www.facebook.com/sealifeconservation