09-22-2007, 02:10 AM
Scientists from NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries Service) and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will release 25 large loggerhead sea turtles into the Indian River Lagoon at the Sebastian Inlet State Park on Monday, September 24, 2007. Media are invited.
WHAT: Release of 25 loggerhead sea turtles.
WHEN: Monday, September 24, 2007, 7:30 a.m. EST
WHERE: Media should meet NOAA and FWC scientists (at 7:30a.m. EST) in the parking lot of the Sebastian Inlet State Park Marina (1 mile North of the Inlet bridge), then follow scientists to exact release location. Turtles will be released into the Indian River Lagoon inside the Sebastian Inlet State Park within Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge.
Driving directions to Sebastian Inlet State Park: http://www.floridastateparks.org/sebasti...efault.cfm
WHO: NOAA Fisheries Service - Southeast Fisheries Science Center's
Galveston Laboratory and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission - Tequesta Field Laboratory
Background<br />
Many sea turtles are accidentally caught in commercial fishing longline gear each year. A longline is a line that is deployed horizontally and to which hooks are attached. Loggerhead sea turtles are known to swallow the baited hooks of this gear. Therefore, NOAA Fisheries Service scientists are researching ways to reduce this accidental catch by studying the way in which loggerhead sea turtles interact with different longline fishing hook shapes and sizes, as well as bait types and baiting techniques. Release of these turtles marks the end of a year long study.
Since 1999, NOAA Fisheries Service biologists have annually raised 49-60 loggerhead sea turtles specifically for longline research. The turtles, which hatched in Florida, are raised at NOAA Fisheries Service's Sea Turtle Facility in Galveston, Texas. At the completion of the research, the turtles are returned to Florida for release. On average, the turtles are 36 inches long and weigh nearly 100 pounds. Biologists release the turtles in areas where wild turtles of the same size and maturity are found. Once released, the turtles begin seeking sources of food, and may venture into passes and bays where crabs and other shellfish, the staple of their diet, are commonly found.
What to do if you encounter a sea turtle<br />
It is common for people to encounter sea turtles in areas that are popular recreational destinations such as beaches, docks and piers. A natural part of turtle behavior includes foraging in shallow water. You should not touch or take sea turtles as it is a violation of the Endangered Species Act, and moreover, even small sea turtles will bite people and can inflict painful wounds if handled or provoked.
Turtles that exit the water or appear to be experiencing difficulty swimming may have been injured. If you who see sea turtles that appear to be in distress, injured, or dead you should not touch or remove anything from these turtles and should contact FWC's Division of Law Enforcement immediately at 1"‘888"‘404"‘FWCC (3922). They will ensure the turtles are examined and treated by qualified wildlife professionals.
Media Contact:<br />
Kim Amendola - NOAA (727) 403-6533
WHAT: Release of 25 loggerhead sea turtles.
WHEN: Monday, September 24, 2007, 7:30 a.m. EST
WHERE: Media should meet NOAA and FWC scientists (at 7:30a.m. EST) in the parking lot of the Sebastian Inlet State Park Marina (1 mile North of the Inlet bridge), then follow scientists to exact release location. Turtles will be released into the Indian River Lagoon inside the Sebastian Inlet State Park within Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge.
Driving directions to Sebastian Inlet State Park: http://www.floridastateparks.org/sebasti...efault.cfm
WHO: NOAA Fisheries Service - Southeast Fisheries Science Center's
Galveston Laboratory and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission - Tequesta Field Laboratory
Background<br />
Many sea turtles are accidentally caught in commercial fishing longline gear each year. A longline is a line that is deployed horizontally and to which hooks are attached. Loggerhead sea turtles are known to swallow the baited hooks of this gear. Therefore, NOAA Fisheries Service scientists are researching ways to reduce this accidental catch by studying the way in which loggerhead sea turtles interact with different longline fishing hook shapes and sizes, as well as bait types and baiting techniques. Release of these turtles marks the end of a year long study.
Since 1999, NOAA Fisheries Service biologists have annually raised 49-60 loggerhead sea turtles specifically for longline research. The turtles, which hatched in Florida, are raised at NOAA Fisheries Service's Sea Turtle Facility in Galveston, Texas. At the completion of the research, the turtles are returned to Florida for release. On average, the turtles are 36 inches long and weigh nearly 100 pounds. Biologists release the turtles in areas where wild turtles of the same size and maturity are found. Once released, the turtles begin seeking sources of food, and may venture into passes and bays where crabs and other shellfish, the staple of their diet, are commonly found.
What to do if you encounter a sea turtle<br />
It is common for people to encounter sea turtles in areas that are popular recreational destinations such as beaches, docks and piers. A natural part of turtle behavior includes foraging in shallow water. You should not touch or take sea turtles as it is a violation of the Endangered Species Act, and moreover, even small sea turtles will bite people and can inflict painful wounds if handled or provoked.
Turtles that exit the water or appear to be experiencing difficulty swimming may have been injured. If you who see sea turtles that appear to be in distress, injured, or dead you should not touch or remove anything from these turtles and should contact FWC's Division of Law Enforcement immediately at 1"‘888"‘404"‘FWCC (3922). They will ensure the turtles are examined and treated by qualified wildlife professionals.
Media Contact:<br />
Kim Amendola - NOAA (727) 403-6533