Support Sea Shelter
Helping Marine Life in the Hunter & Port Stephens Region
Sea Shelter is a not-for-profit marine conservation organisation dedicated to protecting vulnerable wildlife across Port Stephens and the wider Hunter region. Working closely with the team at Irukandji, they rescue, rehabilitate and release injured marine animals while restoring vital ocean habitats and driving community-led conservation.
Our Work
Five Pillars of Marine Conservation
Sea Shelter’s conservation efforts are guided by five core pillars that work together to protect marine life and restore the health of our coastal ecosystems.
Rescue
Responding to injured, sick or stranded marine animals across our region.
Rehabilitation
Providing specialist treatment, care and recovery within dedicated facilities.
Release
Returning healthy animals back to their natural habitat where they belong.
Regeneration
Restoring critical habitats such as seagrass beds, mangroves and coastal nurseries.
Research
Gathering data and conducting studies to better understand marine species and improve conservation outcomes.
Our Mission
Conservation Through Action, Education & Community
Sea Shelter exists to safeguard our coasts and marine wildlife using hands-on rescue work, habitat restoration, research and public education. We believe that by connecting people with the ocean and sharing its story, we can inspire meaningful change. Our programs aim to:
- Spark awareness of the growing pressures on marine environments.
- Rescue, rehabilitate and release injured or stranded marine animals.
- Restore and protect vital habitats like seagrass beds and coastal nurseries.
- Collect data that supports stronger marine conservation policies and practices.
- Encourage sustainable behaviour in communities, businesses and boat-owners to protect our ocean for future generations.
Why It Matters
Protecting Our Ocean Ecosystem
Marine wildlife along the Hunter and Port Stephens coastline faces growing pressures from pollution, habitat loss, entanglement and extreme weather events. Sea Shelter plays a vital role in responding to these challenges — rescuing vulnerable animals, restoring damaged habitats and working with the community to safeguard the long-term health of our oceans. Every effort contributes to a stronger, more resilient marine ecosystem for future generations.
How a Rescue Works
Sea Shelter relies on community support to continue rescuing marine animals and protecting fragile coastal habitats. There are many ways to make a difference:
Donate
To support rescue, rehabilitation and habitat restoration projects.
Volunteer
Your time to assist with conservation work, events and community initiatives.
Report injured wildlife
So our team can respond quickly and provide urgent care.
Learn and spread awareness
About the challenges facing our oceans and how we can protect them together.
Support the Animals You Love
- Choose your favourite species or individual animal to support
- Adoption packs include certificates and special updates
- Every contribution directly aids rescue, rehab and ongoing care
Extend Learning Beyond the Classroom
- Worksheets and activities aligned with Australian curriculum outcomes
- Easy-to-use tools that support marine science learning
- Perfect for pre-visit prep or post-visit classroom follow-up
Join our conservation mission
- Volunteer with rescues, beach clean-ups and regeneration work
- Join citizen science programs and conservation initiatives
- Help Sea Shelter continue vital rescue and rehabilitation efforts