Rescuers face a race against time to rehabilitate a sea turtle hit by a boat – here’s what happened

The young sea turtle was rescued in Delaware after being hit by a boat. The Institute of Marine Education, Research and Rehabilitation (MERR) helped the Kemp’s ridley sea turtle. endangered species and is considered the rarest sea turtle — after receiving several injuries from a boat propeller.

Serious head injury was the cause”abnormalAccording to MERR, more than half of the sea turtles they rescue are fatally injured by boat propellers.

This salvation demonstrates dangers that sea turtles and other marine wildlife face from boat traffic in coastal areas, and also raises awareness of the importance protection of marine life.

MERR’s Suzanne Thurman urges boat owners invest in propeller frameswhich can prevent harm to marine life and also protect boats. Thurman says that while she doesn’t believe boaters intend to harm sea turtles, 20 to 30 sea turtles die each year from boat propellers in Delaware.

“It’s not an intentional or careless thing, (boaters) just don’t see them,” Thurman says. “And damage from a propeller usually cuts through the shell and sometimes even decapitates the turtle. But it’s almost always a fatal injury.”

The hard shells of sea turtles can also cause serious damage to boat propellers.

Sea turtle populations are declining due to various significant threatsincluding loss of habitat due to pollution and climate changeentanglement in fishing gear, and killing of turtles and eggs for food in some areas.

Sea turtles are a vital part of the ocean ecosystem. Olive Ridley Projecta non-profit organization in the UK whose mission is to protect sea turtles and their habitats says sea ​​turtles are “an important part of the planet’s food web and play a vital role in maintaining the health of the world’s oceans.”

Various species of sea turtles feed on the organisms. For example, green turtles eat sea grasswhich prevents aquatic plants from growing too long and maintains healthy “nursery” habitat for marine species.

Propeller cages seem to be a good investment for both boat owners and the environment.

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