First stranding for 2024 NMB

 Although this stranding was deceased, it is still very important to document this endangered Sea Turtle.

Even though much of the scutes were already missing we were able to to identify its species by a few signs, the most prominent was the serrated lower jaw that only the Green Sea Turtle Species will have.

Every Sea Turtle found either deceased or alive and in need of help will be documented and entered into a national database.  After a Sea Turtle leaves the nest, crawls out and enters the Ocean, they spend their entire life in the Ocean.  The only time a Sea Turtle will come to shore is if it is in need of help or she is Nesting. 

The information that is taken from deceased Turtles or live Strandings is very important as many times this is the only way we know how to further help the Endangered Sea Turtle Species.

Some of the data we are able to document is if there are visual signs of entanglement, netting, fishing line, hooks, boat propeller wounds, shark bites.  If a necropsy is done or a live Sea Turtle Stranding is taken to a Sea Turtle Hospital or rehab center, even more data will be able to be seen and documented.

Please if you see a dead or alive Sea Turtle do not put it back into the Ocean.  If it is alive, it is in need of help.  If nesting very important to stay in back of her a good distance away, do not hinder or bother her.  If caught by hook, please gently bring to shore, or if on a Fishing Pier, bring up with a Turtle safe net.  Never Pull the Sea Turtle up on a pier by just the fishing line as this could cause much internal damage to her.

All Sea Turtles are endangered, special training and permits are needed to work with Nesting Sea Turtles, Nest, Hatchlings and Strandings. If you are in NMB or Briarcliffe areas and see a Stranded, deceased or Nesting Sea Turtle please call.

NMB STP

843-213-9074

ANYTIME DAY OR NIGHT