PPP team releases tons of turtles
THE Pet Porpoise Pool has played its part yet again in the rehabilitation of juvenile green sea turtles.
The story unfolded in November when 12 of them were found swimming weakly in the shallow waters of a rock pool at Brooms Head beach.
Four were released back into the ocean by National Parks and Wildlife Service ranger Mark Watt, with the remaining eight that were in a poor state of health being transported to the Pet Porpoise Pool for a thorough check-up.
They were also treated for dehydration and monitored by the veterinary team.
“It is unusual for so many turtles to be found in one place but the exact cause of the stranding is unknown, however, just prior to the incident an inlet to the north of the rock pools was opened, releasing a body of sediment- rich water out into the ocean,” said Dr Duan March, the Pet Porpoise Pool’s veterinarian.
“It is possible that this water obscured the turtles’ ability to navigate and they drifted south with the current and into the rock pools off Brooms Head.”
The team at the Pet Porpoise Pool has an ongoing partnership with NPWS to rescue, rehabilitate and ensure the safe release of all sea turtles back into the ocean.
Due to the care provided by the Pet Porpoise Pool, the turtles’ health has improved, with seven released back into the waters off Brooms Head.
Each turtle is identified, measured and tagged and information is compiled by NPWS and the Pet Porpoise Pool to help with management of turtles in NSW.
One turtle will remain in care until blood tests indicate the animal is healthy enough to be released.
Green sea turtles are one of many types of sea turtles which are listed as a vulnerable and protected species in Australia.
Marine turtles face a variety of threats including marine pollution, habitat loss, entanglement in fishing gear, predation of eggs and hatchlings by foxes and dogs and disturbance by humans.
If you find a sea turtle or animal in distress, contact the Coffs Coast NPWS rangers on 6652 0900.
