Alabama students visit the MS Coast for IMMS sea turtle release

Another batch of sea turtles was released into the Mississippi Sound today with students from one Alabama elementary school using the opportunity as a learning experience.

Students from Belforest Elementary in Daphne, Alabama learned about various aquatic species during their trip to the Mississippi Coast.

Students witnessed the release of three kemp’s ridley sea turtles that have been in the care of IMMS.

After the release, students learned new fishing techniques to find multiple fish species and crabs at Edgewater Beach.

Some of the students tell us it was great to get out of the classroom for some hands-on experience. Ocean Adventures Lead Aquarius Matt Francis said, “They’re with us today for a mini camp. What we do is we like to catch things in the Gulf of Mexico, kind of teach these kids about what’s in our local waters here. So far, we’ve caught a few stingrays, we’ve seen some horseshoe crabs, some puffer fish.

Student Finley McKay said, “It’s really fun. I like catching all the animals there. Horseshoe crabs and I thought was really cool.”

Student Grant Fretwell said, “Seeing like endangered turtles get to go out into the ocean and stuff is awesome. I’m happy to be here instead of sitting in a classroom all day.”