A snorkel tour operator is calling on people to give marine life space after one of its guides intervened when a man chased and grabbed a sea turtle.
The Pressure Project issued a media release urging boaties and divers to avoid disturbing marine animals and to observe them from a safe distance.
The call came after staff and guests watched a spearfisher jump from a private boat, swim after a sea turtle and try to grab and ride it near Mudjimba Island on Saturday.
Guide Kayla Forshaw, who was in the water, filmed the encounter.
She said she couldn’t believe what she was seeing and she quickly pulled the man off the turtle.
She reportedly told him it was disgusting, before he replied “nah, it’s not” and swam off.
The Pressure Project said others on his boat were also touching turtles, and Ms Forshaw politely asked them to stop.
The group said sea turtles were protected wildlife in Queensland, and touching, chasing or handling them caused stress to animals that were already threatened.
Owner Adam Sellars urged people to give marine life space.
“Mudjimba Island is one of the most special places on the Sunshine Coast to see turtles in the wild, and most people who visit do the right thing,” he said.
“But what we saw was a turtle being chased and grabbed for a ride.
“These animals are there to be watched, not ridden.
“If you’re lucky enough to see one, stay back, stay calm and let it decide how it wants to interact with you, or not.”
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The Pressure Project runs small-group eco snorkel tours at Mudjimba Island and has strict rules around marine life, including no touching and no chasing.
The group said it had a duty “to protect animals and to connect people with the ocean, because the more connected people feel to it, the more willing they are to protect it”.
The group encouraged anyone who sees a turtle or other marine life being harassed or injured in Queensland to report it to Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service on 1300 130 372.
“If you can safely note details of the people or boat involved, such as the boat’s registration, please include them in your report,” the group stated.
Mr Sellars said the group was reviewing footage from the day and will report the incident to authorities.
The Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation has been contacted for comment.
