Friday, May 5, 2023
(Virginia Beach, VA) – The Virginia Aquarium’s Stranding Response Program has admitted the first hooked sea turtles of the season, all of which are the critically endangered Kemp’s ridley. To celebrate the City of Virginia Beach’s 60th anniversary, the Aquarium has designated the naming theme for this year’s hooked sea turtle season to be districts, landmarks, and waterways throughout Virginia Beach, such as Cape Henry, Pembroke, and False Cape.
Hooked sea turtle season, the time of year when sea turtles are incidentally caught by hooks on fishing lines during recreational fishing season, begins in late April in Hampton Roads. The sea turtles in the Aquarium’s care are being monitored until eating well and medically cleared for release by the veterinarian.
- Tuesday, April 25 at Virginia Beach Fishing Pier
- “Neptune” the sea turtle was hooked in the esophagus. The hook has been removed and the sea turtle is recovering.
- Saturday, April 29 at James T. Wilson Fishing Pier in Hampton
- “Oceana” the sea turtle was hooked in the esophagus. The hook has been removed but the animal has signs of an infection so is being treated with antibiotics.
- The sea turtles “Centerville” and “Doyletown” were loosely tangled in fishing line around the rear flipper. Both are presumed healthy.
- Wednesday, May 3 at Virginia Beach Fishing Pier
- “Dam Neck” the sea turtle ingested a hook, which was removed, but a second hook fragment was found on X-rays within the intestines. The animal is stable and will be monitored and provided supportive care with hopes the hook fragment passes out of its system on its own.
As a department of the City of Virginia Beach, the Virginia Aquarium pays homage to the rich history of the City with this year’s special sea turtle naming theme, while aiming to educate local anglers and minimize harm to sea turtles during hooking events. The Virginia Aquarium Pier Partner Program includes four local piers that have signage, recovery gear, and pier staff who are willing to assist when a hooked sea turtle is reported. It is important to note that anglers will not get in legal trouble for accidentally hooking a sea turtle; please do not release the turtle and report it to the Virginia Aquarium’s Stranding Response Team at 757-385-7575.
What to do if a sea turtle is hooked by a fishing line:
- Inform the pier attendant (if there is one) ASAP who can supply recovery gear.
- Call the Virginia Aquarium’s Stranding Response Team at 757-385-7575.
- Use a net to bring the turtle onto the pier. DO NOT lift by the hook if at all avoidable. Lifting by the hook can cause severe damage.
- If the turtle is too large to net, try to walk it to the beach.
- Leave the hook in place. Removing it may cause harm and make medical treatment more difficult.
- Once on the pier, place the turtle in the recovery tote (provided by the pier)
- Once safely in the tote, cut the line but leave at least two feet of line attached to the hook.
- Keep turtle out of direct sunlight.
- Cover carapace (shell) with damp towel.
Support the Virginia Aquarium’s mission by making a tax-deductible donation or by purchasing a ‘Protect Sea Life’ license plate from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, which features a loggerhead sea turtle, a threatened species in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean. A portion of the license plate funds are transferred to the Virginia Aquarium Foundation in support of our conservation and research programs, including the Stranding Response Program.
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums. The Aquarium is also a member of World Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The Virginia Aquarium's mission is to inspire conservation of the marine environment through education, research, and sustainable practices. It is located at 717 General Booth Boulevard, just south of Rudee Inlet in Virginia Beach. Visit www.VirginiaAquarium.com for more information.
The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, supports the work of the Virginia Aquarium. The Foundation procures and maintains the Aquarium's exhibits, including the animals and habitats. It is also responsible for annual and capital fundraising, administration and funding for the Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Program, conservation and scientific research efforts, and the Aquarium's mission-related education programs. You can be a part of our mission by making a tax-deductible donation to support our programming.
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