Six of the seven species of sea turtles are found in Australian waters, all of which are endangered or vulnerable. All six species of sea turtles are protected in Australian waters under the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1975. SACF contributed to a long term monitoring project undertaken by Dr Ian Bell to find out what the main threats to these slow-growing, prehistoric animals are.

Declining numbers of dugongs in the wild has led to increased concern over their threats. Habitat loss, boating incidents and increased degradation of the environment are thought to be the main issues surrounding decreasing dugong numbers. SACF contributed to the following project which aimed to investigate more about dugong health.

Sydney Harbour has some of the most contaminated sediments in the world. These sediments have flowed into the harbour from surrounding industrial and urban areas for more than a century. It is well documented that contaminated sediments affect the ecology of organisms living in the sediments. Very little is known however, about the potential for the resuspension of contaminated sediments to pose a threat to the ecology of organisms in the water column or on surrounding rocky reefs. SACF wanted to help investigate...

SACF in conjunction with Sydney Aquarium, created a first when in mid 2008, ten captive bred juvenile wobbegongs were tagged and released into Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve. In January 2010, ten more captive-bred, tagged wobbegongs will be released in the same location. So far the data captured has been promising, showing that not only are the wobbys alive but are enjoying their new home.