PROTECTING THE KEMP'S RIDLEY AT
GULF SPECIMEN MARINE LABORATORY

GULF SPECIMEN MARINE LABORATORY'S SEA TURTLE CONSERVATION AND RESEARCH PROGRAM IS ONE OF THE OLDEST IN THE UNITED STATES. IT WAS BEGUN IN 1964, IN CONJUNCTION WITH DR. ARCHIE CARR OF THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA AND THE CARIBBEAN CONSERVATION CORPORATION.

  

SCHOOL CHILDREN ON A FIELD TRIP TO GULF SPECIMEN WATCH AS A REHABILITATED TURTLE IS SET FREE AGAIN.


KEMP'S RIDLEYS ARE FLIPPER TAGGED AND RELEASED AFTER REHABILITATION.

   GSML STAFF NET SAMPLING FOR KEMP'S RIDLEYS IN A PROJECT FUNDED BY THE NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE IN PANACEA, FLORIDA
 

A LOGGERHEAD BEING RELEASED AFTER MONTHS OF REHABILITATION FROM INJURIES INFLICTED BY SHARKS AND/OR HUMANS.

VET CHECKING X-RAY
OF A TURTLE BEING
REHABILITATED AFTER
IT SWALLOWED
A HOOK.

 

 
WE REHABILITATE AND TAG TURTLES ACCIDENTLY CAUGHT BY FISHERMEN.   IN THE EARLY YEARS, THEY WERE PRIMARILY CAUGHT IN SHRIMP TRAWLS. TODAY MOST ARE VICTIMS OF RECREATIONAL FISHERMENS' HOOKS AND MONOFILAMENT LINE.
SURGICALLY REMOVING A FISH HOOK EMBEDDED IN A TURTLE'S THROAT
See the video:  Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle Hook Removal
  

YOU CAN HELP TOO! IF YOU FISH, DON'T USE STAINLESS STEEL HOOKS.

BUY A SEA TURTLE LICENSE TAG.

SUPPORT BEACH LIGHTING ORDINANCES TO PROTECT HATCHLINGS.

VOTE FOR ENVIRONMENTALLY CONCERNED CANDIDATES.