All seven species of sea turtle in the world are listed as either threatened or endangered. Sadly, humans are to blame for many sea turtle deaths. Ingestion of litter, injury due to fishing line, and collision with boats are just a few dangers faced by sea turtles. More and more, these ancient creatures require human intervention if they are to survive. Luckily, in many places, sea turtles are federally protected. A healthy sea turtle should be given plenty of space, whether in the sea, or, especially, laying eggs on the beach.
How Do You Determine if a Sea Turtle Needs Help?
- In the Water: Generally, sea turtles are shy creatures who want to stay away from humans. If you approach the sea turtle and it does not dive down, it is probably in distress. A turtle who is a “floater” may have ingested litter that is causing gas bubbles, or sustained damage to the shell from a boat collision. A turtle who has become tangled in fishing line may also have trouble swimming away.
- On Land: A turtle on the beach may be a female trying to lay eggs. If so, she should be given plenty of space. Know when sea turtles nest in your area, and on which beaches. Most sea turtles lay their eggs at night, with the exception of the endangered Kemp’s Ridley, who nest during the daytime along the Gulf of Mexico. Egg laying is the only reason a sea turtle should be on land. Otherwise, a beached sea turtle needs to be reported.
- Hatchlings: Hatchlings (baby sea turtles) face a perilous journey upon hatching. They must make their way into the ocean without any help from parents. They rely on moonlight to guide them to the water. Unfortunately, lights from nearby human development often confuse young turtles, sending them in the wrong direction. Without human intervention, turned-around baby sea turtles may become hopelessly lost and end up in roads, parking lots, or other dangerous situations.
What to Do For a Sea Turtle in Distress:
Call for Help:The first and most important thing to do is to call the proper authorities. In the U.S., the local branch of Fish and Wildlife will be able to launch a rescue. The Coast Guard is another option. Or, local aquariums and zoos often aid in rescue response programs and may be able to point you in the right direction. Here are a few hotlines set up in places where sea turtles are common.
- Florida: 1-888-FWCC (3922)
- Texas: 1-866-TURTLE-5
- Louisiana: 504-235-3005
- North Carolina: (252) 441-8622
- Rhode Island: (401) 633-4116
- Hawaii: 1-808--983-5730
- Barbados: 230-0142
- Bali: 62 36 180 858 00
Keep the Turtle Moist: Sea Turtles can breathe out of the water. If the turtle is beached, or you have to pull the sea turtle onto your boat because it is in immediate danger, be sure to keep your hands, arms, etc. away from the animal’s face. Though sea turtles rarely bite in self-defense, they do have very powerful jaws that can do real damage. Your most important job is to keep the turtle moist and out of direct sunlight until help arrives. Place wet towels over the animal’s shell and shoulders. Occasionally dousing the turtle’s head with water can help keep the eyes moist. If the turtle needs to be in transport for a long period of time, coating the skin with Vaseline will help keep the turtle comfortable.
For more information about sea turtle rehabilitation, check out the Turtle Hospital in Marathon, Florida or the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in Topsail Island, North Carolina.
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