4 days ago
Another distressed loggerhead sea turtle seen in Indian River Bay, boaters urged to report
The Marine Education, Research and Rehabilitation Institute, a Lewes nonprofit, is asking boaters to help them locate an injured loggerhead sea turtle in the Indian River Bay.
The endangered turtle was seen in distress, having difficulty diving, a July 13 MERR Facebook post said. There are a lot of algae and barnacles on its shell, as well as an injury at the rear of its shell, the post said.
If you see the turtle, stay with it if possible and contact MERR at 302-228-5029.
MERR representatives have responded to at least 11 deceased sea turtles in Delaware this year, nearly all of which were loggerheads, Executive Director Suzanne Thurman said. Most recently, they were unable to locate an apparently distressed loggerhead in the Indian River Bay June 21.
Loggerhead sea turtles, and all other sea turtles in Delaware waters, are federally endangered. According to MERR, over 50% of sea turtles that strand in Delaware have boat propeller injuries, most of which are fatal.
The organization is campaigning to raise awareness of boat propeller cages, similar to the cages that cover a house fan.
"We feel like they're not widely known," Thurman said. "Looking at the big picture: If a turtle hits a propeller, that's going to damage the propeller. So, it's far less expensive to invest in this cage."
A quick Amazon search showed many propeller cages for $100 or less, but the price depends on the size of the propeller.
What to know: Delaware's 15 native turtle species and how to help them
Shannon Marvel McNaught reports on southern Delaware and beyond. Reach her at smcnaught@ or on Facebook.
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: MERR asks boaters for help with distressed turtle in Indian River Bay
