A “spe-shell” event at AQWA for World Sea Turtle Day!

June 2025

The North West Shelf Flatback Turtle Conservation Program hosted Year 9 students at AQWA to celebrate World Sea Turtle Day on June 16, 2025. 

The 75 students from Balcatta Senior High School, John Tonkin College of the Arts and Presbyterian Ladies’ College rotated between stations with NWSFTCP staff – Dr Scott Whiting, Dr Sabrina Fossette, Tristan Simpson, Clodagh Guildea, Shannon Pugh and PhD candidate Carmela de Benito Abello (pictured). At the stations they learned about turtle threats like climate change, how turtles have been (and still are) used as a resource and the types of careers in marine turtle conservation. 

Asked what their highlight of the day was, most of the students said learning about the different careers and having the opportunity to talk to professionals in conservation fields was a standout that gave them ideas for their own future. Students were reminded that there are many different career paths contributing to the conservation of turtles against threats such as light pollution, invasive species, climate change and habitat loss. 

The students also explored the exhibits, where they were amazed to see loggerhead turtles and learn about the rehabilitation work and collaborations between AQWA and DBCA. Thanks to AQWA for collaborating with the North West Shelf Flatback Turtle Conservation Program to make this a memorable World Sea Turtle Day for the students! 

For more information about Western Australia’s marine turtles, click here.  

To book a marine turtle education experience for your school, fill out the enquiry form here.