Releasing young turtles Photo: Rotem Sde, Nature and Parks Authority
Four young sea turtles that were injured by plastic waste were released back into the wild after being treated at the Sea Turtle Rescue Center of the Nature and Parks Authority
Exciting at the beach
Exciting moments were recorded this morning in front of Nachsholim Beach, when four young sea turtles were released today back into the wild and the open sea after being injured by plastic waste and were treated at the National Sea Turtle Rescue Center of the Nature and Parks Authority. The release was carried out in the middle of the sea under the leadership of an inspector from the Nature and Parks Authority and a person from the sea turtle rescue center and with the participation of a group of kayakers from the Captain Jack Beach Dor marine club.
David, Solly, Seasons and Matthew
The four turtles that were released today: David, Soli, Oonat, Matan (the names are given to the turtles by those who found them) are all brown sea turtles aged 1-3 years, were found in the last two months throughout the country by alert citizens who were walking in the sea and by lifeguards who work on the beaches, When they are entangled in marine waste such as plastic bags (jute bags).
recovered and tested
When they were found, the turtles were taken to professional treatment and the waste was removed at the Sea Turtle Rescue Center of the Nature and Parks Authority, and after recovery and tests, they were returned to the wild as mentioned today.
The Nature and Parks Authority asks the public to be alert for injured and injured sea turtles on the beaches and in the heart of the sea and to report this as soon as possible to the Nature and Parks Authority hotline for instructions on how to drive. Tel: *3639
When you find a sea turtle entangled in a net/ropes/plastic bag, you must not release the blockage independently and you must not return the turtle back to the sea. Releasing the blockage alone may cause damage and must be performed by a professional at the rescue center.
Hazardous plastic waste
The Authority explains: "Entanglement in plastic waste can cause a blockage and necrosis in the limb, and the accumulation of toxins and bacteria. As long as the blockage suffocates the limb, the toxins remain in it. If the blockage is released in an uncontrolled manner, the toxins spread into the body and may kill the turtle. Controlled release from the bag While providing medical treatment, it is intended to prevent the poisoning.
The turtles are exhausted and thin
These young turtles are exhausted after struggling in the sack to which they are tied and very thin because they could not eat properly, so release straight back to the sea could end in their death from exhaustion and poor physical condition.
Link to an informational video produced by the Sea Turtle Rescue Center of the Nature and Parks Authority explaining the vulnerability of turtles from marine debris.