In an effort to raise awareness about sea turtles and the threats they face, a juvenile green sea turtle that was rehabilitated at the Florida Keys-based Turtle Hospital has been fitted with a satellite-tracking transmitter and released. The turtle, named Marcia, will join an online race organized by the Sea Turtle Conservancy called Tour de Turtles, which tracks the long-distance migrations of sea turtles. This year, the race will involve tracking a dozen sea turtles released from beaches in Florida and the Caribbean islands. Dr. Dan Evans, the senior research biologist at the Sea Turtle Conservancy, emphasized the importance of the race in gaining knowledge about sea turtle behavior and the potential threats they encounter in different areas.
Marcia, the young green sea turtle, was found floating off the Middle Keys in March and was diagnosed with positive buoyancy disorder, which prevents sea turtles from diving for food. The condition can be caused by various factors, including internal infection, gastrointestinal tract obstruction, and injuries caused by boat strikes. The Turtle Hospital provided treatment for Marcia, including antibiotics, fluids, vitamins, and a specialized diet.
Bette Zirkelbach, the general manager of the Turtle Hospital, emphasized the importance of protecting sea turtles like Marcia and highlighted the value of the tracking information provided by Tour de Turtles in helping to ensure the survival of the species.
Green sea turtles are classified as “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act.
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