Ryan and Lia Pereira are a busy couple.
Between marine rescues, clean ups, conservation education, and raising their son Silas, they have plenty on their plate.
However, when they see how their work is having a positive impact on the environment, it makes all their efforts worthwhile.
The pair are founders of not-for-profit organisation Sea Shelter, and since 2014, have been owners of Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters where they care for injured or sick marine animals.
Their unique combination of skills and passion for the ocean and its animals was a driving force behind their decision to buy the centre.
"We are animal conservationists - I had been a zoo keeper for 10 years by that stage and Ryan was a marine biologist," Mrs Pereira said.
"We had the experience to run it and the passion for the animals and we knew we would be giving up our entire lives by starting this endeavour.
"It's not something everybody in the world gets to do, to educate and spread the conservation message, and to show people that sharks are not scary and they need to be protected."
Mrs Pereira said Irukandji was home to more than 250 species, not including microbes.
For her, having the opportunity to help save the ocean is a huge motivator.
"The ocean is in so much trouble from so many different angles," she said.
"There is plastic pollution, over-fishing, and different fishing techniques which are killing sea turtles.
"It's just a minefield of different things that are going on out there.
"During this [coronavirus] crisis there are still lots of animals out there that are in need.
"I've seen on social media that there are large amounts of disposable gloves and masks ending up in the ocean. Please keep an eye out for people being wasteful in this time."
While Mrs Pereira sees a lot of things that can harm fish and sea turtles, she is also encouraged to see a lot of people changing habits and learning more about how they can help.
From families checking if their fish has been sustainably sourced to volunteers picking up discarded rubbish, there is a lot of good happening too.
"There's a long way to go," Mrs Pereira said, adding there were a number of things people could do to play their part.
"The main things would be eating sustainable food and minimising your plastic use in general. If you are able to quit disposable plastic altogether that would be a huge help, as well as helping clean up the mess.
"No one wants to clean up other people's mess but we need to clean it up."
