Released sea turtle to help shed new light on population
A loggerhead sea turtle that was recently released with a tracker after being treated for red tide poisoning, among other things, will provide researchers with new data about the species.
On June 28, the adult male was released on the shoreline of the West Wind Inn by the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife on Sanibel, in partnership with the Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota and the Sea Turtle Conservancy in Gainesville. What made the release so unique is the sex of the turtle.
“Adult males don’t come onto land very often,” Mote senior biologist Kristen Mazzarella said.
According to the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, which was part of the rescue team, sea turtles remain at sea for the entirety of their lives following a short stint on the beach as hatchlings. The females will come to shore to nest; however, the males stay out at sea, even mating out in the water.
Because of their habits, adult males are the subject of fewer research studies – as compared to the more frequently encountered adult females – so much still remains to be discovered about them. The SCCF reported that as researchers investigate the potential feminization of sea turtles in Florida, the dynamics of males become critical to understand for maintaining sustainable breeding populations.
The rescue of the male loggerhead was a rare opportunity and encounter.
Sanibel residents Dan Murphy and Barb Lasky were just two out of a group to take part in the experience. Murphy explained that he was out for a morning walk with his dog on June 4 when the turtle was observed rolling in the surf near Gulf Shores. Lasky was also in the area at the time.
It was struggling in the water and having trouble surfacing for air – abnormal behaviors.
Murphy explained that one could tell something was wrong, that it looked unnatural.
“He was throwing his head back,” Lasky added. “You could tell he was struggling to breathe.”
A call was placed to SCCF’s Sea Turtle Hotline and the team quickly responded.
The SCCF reported that staff tried to swim to the turtle’s aid, but the attempt was unsuccessful due to depth of the water. Linda Linsmayer and Billy Kirkland, from Billy’s Bikes, lent the team the use of their kayak and boat, which the staff and volunteers used to stabilize the turtle and bring him to shore.
“It took a few hours,” Murphy said. “But everyone came together and managed to get it out.”
The turtle was transported to CROW for diagnosis and treatment.
Blood samples taken from him confirmed that he was suffering from brevetoxicosis, or red tide poisoning. During intake, it was noted that he had no injuries and weighed about 237 pounds.
“The brevetoxin is a nerve toxin,” CROW Hospital Director Dr. Heather Barron said.
She explained that it usually impacts the central nervous system, which causes dizziness and disorientation in the affected animal – why the turtle was rolling and struggling in the waters.
He was treated for anemia as his red blood count was low, as well given antibiotics.
“He actually aspirated some salt water into his lungs,” she said. “So he also had pneumonia.”
For the brevetoxicosis, CROW used a novel treatment as part of an ongoing study.
“This is the first year we’re really focusing on improving the treatment for sea turtles,” Barron said.
Once cleared for released on June 27, he was satellite tagged under the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission’s Marine Turtle Research permits, in partnership with the Mote lab and conservancy. He has been named “Walter” in honor of CROW’s 50th anniversary and its founder, Shirley J. Walter.
Mazzarella explained that the device will allow researchers to track his movements and compare the information to other male loggerheads. The tracker turns on every time the turtle surfaces for air.
“It’s huge for helping us find out more about male turtles,” she said.
Barron noted that brevetoxin counts were checked prior to the release and were low.
“Is there potential?” she said when questioned whether the turtle could fall ill to red tide poisoning again in the near future. “There is, but he is a very strong and healthy sea turtle.”
“This has been a very busy red tide season,” Barron added, noting that it is extending longer into nesting season, as well. “These are adult breeding animals that are coming in to nest.”