Australian Seabird & Turtle Rescue – Saving Marine Wildlife

Founded in 1992, Australian Seabird & Turtle Rescue (ASTR) is a volunteer-driven conservation organization dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing injured marine wildlife along the coast of New South Wales, Australia.

The organization began when founder Lance Ferris discovered the devastating impact of discarded fishing tackle on local pelicans. Today, ASTR rescues seabirds, shorebirds, sea turtles and sea snakes affected by fishing lines, hooks, plastic pollution, injuries and other human-related threats.

At its headquarters in Ballina, ASTR operates specialized rehabilitation facilities, including the Ballina Byron Sea Turtle Hospital, where sick and injured turtles receive professional care before being returned to the ocean whenever possible. Dedicated volunteers also respond to wildlife emergencies, providing rescue, transport and rehabilitation for animals in distress.

Beyond saving individual animals, ASTR works to prevent future injuries through community education, wildlife rescue training, beach clean-ups and its Don't Cut the Line awareness campaign, which teaches fishers how to respond when marine animals become entangled in fishing gear.

Through donations, turtle sponsorships and volunteer support, ASTR continues to provide vulnerable marine animals with a second chance at life.

By combining hands-on animal rescue with education and conservation, Australian Seabird & Turtle Rescue is helping protect Australia's extraordinary marine wildlife for future generations.

Photo Credits by: ©Australian Seabird & Turtle Rescue
https://seabirdrescue.org.au/