Reef Tracks: Marine Life Tracker

Want to know what all your favourite reef animals are up to in real life? Now you can with Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef.

The Great Barrier Reef is home to six of the world’s seven species of marine turtles. A number of these are seriously threatened by a diverse range of natural and, more significantly, human induced factors. Down Under Cruise and Dive has for many years supported the vital work of Dr Jennie Gilbert, co-founder of the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre in her efforts to support the full recovery of sick and injured sea turtles who are found in the oceans off the north east coast of Queensland. A proces that can sometimes take years of special care by Dr Gilbert and her army of volunteers.

Once these turtles are ready they are transported on board Evolution to the outer Great Barrier Reef where Jennie and her volunteers along with our Marine Biology team and our crew release them back to the wild. This is an incredibly exciting and emotional time for all who are involved and also for our guests who are lucky enough to witness these events.

By using special small tracking devices placed on the turtle shell, you are able to see the movement of these amazing creatures and they live and explore the reefs off the Queensland coast, but also sometimes going on epic adventures covering huge distances. To view the movement of these turtles and other sea creatures including Sharks, Manta-Rays and Whale-Sharks go to Reef Tracks: marine life tracker (citizensgbr.org)