Experiencing The Dedication And Hard Work Of Sea Turtle Conservation Efforts
When Bret Stearns, the director of the natural resources department for the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head in Aquinnah received a cell phone call last week, he wasted no time to spring into action. He immediately jumped into the car and drove to an area near Menemsha. The emergency was one of many situations that Stearns deals with on a weekly basis, and this particular one was an urgent call to assist a Dermochelys coriacea that was struggling in a lobster pot trap line. A common occurrence for sea turtles in the area, Stearn knew exactly what to do. Assisted by trained staff, he knew better than to cut the line immediately, since such a act could severely harm the turtle if it were to swim away too soon with part of the line still attached to the body. As the turtle struggled violently, Stearn and his partners worked patiently to completely untangle the unfortunate victim from the deadly line, and finally his expertise prevailed and the sea turtle was able to swim away unharmed, albeit fatigued. Another victory for him and his dedicated staff, he does however caution against attempting to free any marine animals without the proper staff present, as this endeavor can prove dangerous to both the rescuers as well as the animals. Although it is a tiring and time-consuming occupation, Stearn loves his job and experiencing the joy of watching a freed animal swim away from a potentially fatal incident makes all the long and tiring hours more than worth it.
Turtle News From Around the World
Conservation
UK: Stamp display raises awareness for turtle project
Seychelles: Staff back to work with busy season
USA: Rising water table causes turtle sightings
UK: Over 500 hatchlings rescued from deadly fate
Asia: Tourists contributing to sea turtle conservation
UK: The debate over sea turtle consumption
UK: Meet the newest team member of the Olive Ridley Project
Crime & Punishment
Asia: Huge increase in smuggling attempts reported
Miscellany
USA: Sea turtle Inc. adorned with brand-new artwork
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Photo from Bret Stearns.
