IMMS released six endangered sea turtles

The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies will release six rare sea turtles at the Courthouse Pier in Gulfport at 10 a.m. tomorrow.

There’s no place like home and the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies will make sure six Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles will find their way home after being rehabilitated due to fishing hook injuries.  Stranding Technician Erin Mattson said, “They leave some line attached with the hook and they were able to bring it back to our facility and our veterinarian.”

The sea turtles were caught from local piers in Pass Christian, Bay St. Louis and Gulfport. IMMS Veterinarian Debra Moore gave them x-rays to double check for extra hooks then she began the surgical removal procedure. “We make just a little small incision and we will try to externalize a portion of the hook, cut it, and then remove the hook and line completely.”

The institute tries to release within seven to 30 days of its arrival. This is critical for the Kemp’s Ridley turtle because it is the most endangered sea turtle in the world. “We are able to provide this type of care for them, have them in here, give them checkups and watch them through the entire rehabilitation process,” said Mattson.

“It’s so important for us to get them well and treated to get back out there so they can end up going back to their beaches and nesting and reproducing,” said Moore.

The sea turtle release will take place at Courthouse Pier in Gulfport at 10 a.m. Saturday. The public is welcome to watch and learn about the endangered sea turtles. “They learn about the habitat. They learn about what’s happening and how to protect our environment by getting up close and personal with some of these animals,” said Moore.

The Boy Scouts of America will help with the turtle release.