Audubon Aquarium teams up with IMMS for turtle release

BILOXI, Miss. (WXV)- Rescued sea turtles are back in the water thanks to a joint effort between the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies and Audubon Aquarium.

The turtles were originally set to be released near Grand Isle, but a recent oil spill forced organizers to move the release along the beach in Biloxi.

A crowd gathered along the beach to watch 30 rehabilitated sea turtles make their return to the Gulf.

The turtles were cared for by experts at the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies and Audubon Aquarium after being rescue and treated for various health issues.

Marine experts say events like this highlight the importance of protecting coastal habitats and responding quickly when wildlife is affected by environmental hazards.

For many spectators, the release was both educational and emotional, watching the turtles slowly make their way across the sand before disappearing into the Gulf waters.