Latest news with #MarineEducation
Yahoo
13-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Another distressed loggerhead sea turtle seen in Indian River Bay, boaters urged to report
The Marine Education, Research and Rehabilitation Institute, a Lewes nonprofit, is asking boaters to help them locate an injured loggerhead sea turtle in the Indian River Bay. The endangered turtle was seen in distress, having difficulty diving, a July 13 MERR Facebook post said. There are a lot of algae and barnacles on its shell, as well as an injury at the rear of its shell, the post said. If you see the turtle, stay with it if possible and contact MERR at 302-228-5029. MERR representatives have responded to at least 11 deceased sea turtles in Delaware this year, nearly all of which were loggerheads, Executive Director Suzanne Thurman said. Most recently, they were unable to locate an apparently distressed loggerhead in the Indian River Bay June 21. Loggerhead sea turtles, and all other sea turtles in Delaware waters, are federally endangered. According to MERR, over 50% of sea turtles that strand in Delaware have boat propeller injuries, most of which are fatal. The organization is campaigning to raise awareness of boat propeller cages, similar to the cages that cover a house fan. "We feel like they're not widely known," Thurman said. "Looking at the big picture: If a turtle hits a propeller, that's going to damage the propeller. So, it's far less expensive to invest in this cage." A quick Amazon search showed many propeller cages for $100 or less, but the price depends on the size of the propeller. What to know: 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 asks boaters for help with distressed turtle in Indian River Bay
CTV News
11-07-2025
- General
- CTV News
A new way of sea-ing things
Atlantic Watch Crystal Garrett visits the Back to the Sea Centre in Dartmouth, N.S., for a hands-on learning experience.
Yahoo
22-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
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
CBC
16-05-2025
- Science
- CBC
Rare whale washes up on Vancouver Island, in possible 1st sighting of species in B.C.
In a possible first for B.C., a Bryde's whale — a species not generally seen north of California — has washed up on Vancouver Island. The whale washed ashore in Port McNeill Bay, on the northern side of the Island, according to a news release from the 'Na̱mg̱is First Nation. Experts brought in to examine the body confirmed it as a young Bryde's whale, a baleen whale that uses filter feeding, similar to humpbacks, generally found in tropical to temperate waters, though there have been stray sightings of individuals as far north as Washington state in the past. Jackie Hildering of the Marine Education and Research Society visited the whale and says to her knowledge, this is the first time one has been seen in British Columbia. 'Na̱mg̱is Chief Victor Isaac says in the statement that a necropsy of the Bryde's whale will be done to determine the cause of death, and the community is "deeply concerned" by the "rarity of this species appearing so far north." "Namgis First Nation is very sad and concerned with the climate crisis and the health of our oceans," Isaac said. "We will work with all parties to determine what has happened to this individual and hopefully come to better understand how to be the best stewards of our awi'nakola — our environment," it said in the statement. The whale is the third to be found dead on B.C. shores this month, after two grey whales were found washed up, one on Vancouver Island and one on Haida Gwaii.
Miami Herald
10-03-2025
- General
- Miami Herald
Thin, wounded baby seal spotted at Delaware state park, photos show. See the rescue
A baby grey seal was found in rough shape at a beach in a Delaware state park, photos show. She looked thin and had a large wound on her left side, so rescuers with the Marine Education, Research and Rehabilitation Institute decided to step in to help the pup, the organization said on Facebook March 9. A photo shows the pup lying on her right side on the sand at Cape Henlopen State Park. Rescuers didn't say what might have caused the injury. 'On closer inspection, we saw a few more small wounds, and detected that she was dehydrated,' the organization said. 'Based on her injuries and body condition, she will be transported to the National Aquarium in Baltimore for long term care.' Photos show the pup looking up toward rescuers as they coaxed her into a carrier. She eventually crawled in on her own. The organization named her Cassiopeia, keeping with its tradition of naming rescued creatures after constellations, a policy the organization said was voted on by supporters. Several people shared words of encouragement for the pup in the comments. 'Poor baby,' someone wrote. 'Thank you for giving her a second chance.'
