Juvenile Green Sea Turtle on Apache Pier Stranding

 While all Sea Turtles are federally and state protected, sometimes a Sea Turtle may accidentally get caught on hook and line by a fisherman fishing on shore or pier.  We are so thankful to Apache Pier as they know exactly what to do to keep the turtles safe with the least amount of stress to them.  This careful handling will in turn give them a much better chance of recovery and survival.

There are a few things that should be done in order to safely bring this endangered Sea Turtle in shore or on the pier that will help in its recovery and survival. 

 If on the Pier please do not bring the Sea Turtle up on the pier by reeling in from the water to the pier.  This could damage critical organs or even cause its death.  Apache Pier and Cherry Grove Pier have special drop nets designed specially to bring the Sea Turtle up to the pier safely. 

 Please make sure to not release or try to remove the hook. Trained and permitted STP Volunteers will work with DNR and the Sea Turtle Care Center in Charleston to access if this Sea Turtle will need to be transported to the Sea Turtle Care Center or released

If you are fishing from shore, please real them in very slowly as not to damage any internal organs.  Please do not try to take the hook out yourself.  Trained and permitted STP Volunteers will work with DNR and the Sea Turtle Care Center to decide what should be done next.

The overall body condition, including any injuries are accessed, along with Measurements taken by permitted Volunteers who have had special training. Pictures are also taken so DNR and the Sea Turtle Care Center in Charleston will know ahead of time what immediate care will be needed the minute he/she arrives. All of these states will be entered into a national data base to help in the conservation to help save these endangered Sea Turtle Species.

Now ready for transport by the NMB STP Permitted Volunteer to the Sea Turtle care center.  The fishing line is secured to the carapace (shell) to keep it from accidentally being pulled by the flippers and will give the Sea Turtle Care Center in Charleston something to work with when they remove the hook. It is important to have enough line, so the Sea Turtle Care Center has something to work with.

Great job Apache Pier and the fisherman who accidentally hooked this, Sea Turtle.   By using the Specially designed Sea Turtle drop net.  They have given this Sea Turtle the best chance of recovery.

We do not know what the name is yet, but when we get the name and prognoses of this endangered Sea turtle is released, we will update this blog.

All Sea Turtles are Endangered, they are federally, and state protected.  Special guidelines, training and permits are required to work with nesting Sea Turtles, Nest and Stranded or caught accidentally by hook in line.

If you encounter a Nesting Sea Turtle or stranded Sea Turtle in NMB or Briarcliffe areas or hook a Sea Turtle, please call 

NMB STP HOTLINE

843-213-9074

ANYTIME DAY OR NIGHT