Pier Program Educates Fisherman to Increase Survival of Hooked Sea Turtles
Fishermen in Virginia are now able to contribute to conservation thanks to the Pier Program, initiated by the Virginia Aquarium. This donation-funded program has rescued 105 turtles since it was started in 2014, and the fishermen have been catching on to the acronym “TLC”, which in summary stands for Tell, Lift, and Cut. The Pier Program provides instructional signage on piers as well as holding containers for rescued sea turtles that have been accidentally hooked. The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center’s Animal Care Center rehabilitates as well as performs necessary surgery on the rescued turtles; in addition, radio-transmitters are attached to any released animals which provide a continued source of valuable data. Vital signs and blood work are also a definitively important information source. This interesting program promotes research in an unexpected way that researchers hope will lead to a greater understanding of the worlds diminishing sea turtle species.
Turtle News From Around the World
Conservation
USA: Learn about the volunteer work with Malaclemys terrapin
USA: Could this be a world’s first Dermochelys coriacea nest?
USA: County goes public about their dedication to conservation
Crime & Punishment
Holland: Hoarding situation uncovered
Education
USA: Fort Myers beach reaches out to public
Health & Medical
Asia: Unfortunate sea turtle will lose limb
India: Geochelone elegans return to their homeland for rehabilitation
Asia: Softshells intended for consumption are cholera carriers
AU: Poachers beware-Chelonia mydas carry deadly bacteria
AU: Frightening reminder of the effects of ocean littering
Species Facts…
Kinixys natalensis is the only species in the genus Kinixys which possesses a tricuspid beak, which creates a positive identification factor.
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Photo from Eric Hodies.
