8 hours ago
Loggerhead sea turtle spotted struggling in bay apparently free-swimming now: MERR
A loggerhead sea turtle spotted struggling in the Indian River Bay June 21 is apparently free-swimming now, according to the Lewes-based nonprofit Marine Education, Research and Rehabilitation Institute.
MERR shared a photo of the turtle, which they said was provided by a boater who later lost track of it, on social media June 21. The turtle was surfacing briefly and repeatedly, the post said, and MERR urged other boaters to alert them if they spotted the turtle so they could assist it.
"We don't know if it was entangled in something or injured, but it appeared to be struggling," the post said.
That post was deleted, but an update was shared June 22. Natural resources police took MERR representatives out to the area where the turtle was spotted, the post said, and they searched extensively but were unable to locate it.
"During our search we were able to scan the bottom and water column thanks to the 3-D depth finder on the vessel," the post said. "This enabled us to confirm that the turtle was apparently free swimming because it was nowhere in the vicinity of the original sighting."
If you spot a sea turtle in the area, try to keep it in sight and contact MERR immediately at 302-228-5029. The loggerhead spotted June 21 may still be entangled in fishing gear or injured.
"Safe and successful disentanglement of a multi-hundred pound animal in any depth of water requires special equipment so that the turtle isn't inadvertently injured," the post said. "This is also risky for rescuers, so it is always best to notify us so that we can bring our specialized equipment and trained personnel to the scene to assist the turtle."
Loggerhead sea turtles, and all other sea turtles in Delaware waters, are federally endangered. Over 50% of those that strand in Delaware have boat propeller injuries, most of which are fatal, the post said.
MERR is starting a campaign to raise awareness of boat propeller cages, similar to the cages that cover a house fan.
"The cages help to protect sea turtles, terrapins, other wildlife, and boaters themselves from the harmful and even deadly impact of the blades, while also protecting the prop from damage during an impact," the post said. "The cost of the cages vary, but are far less costly than replacing a propeller in most cases."
Testudines: What to know about Delaware's 15 native turtle species and how to help them
Shannon Marvel McNaught reports on southern Delaware and beyond. Reach her at smcnaught@ or on Facebook.
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: MERR searches for struggling loggerhead sea turtle spotted in bay
