In recent years, fishing bycatch has been surpassed as the number one killer of sea turtles in South Carolina by a related threat – boat strikes. About a third of all green turtles, loggerheads, and leatherbacks found stranded have evidence of being struck by seafaring vessels. Turtles traveling to and from offshore mating areas, females participating in nesting activities, and turtles feeding in tidal creeks are especially at risk. Boat strikes often prove fatal even if the turtle is not killed by the impact. These boat interactions often leave fractures and slices in the turtle’s carapace and/or limbs, decreasing mobility and making the turtle susceptible to predators.
Most boat strikes are avoidable. Always respect boating laws and boat cautiously. While loggerhead nesting season in South Carolina ranges from May through October, there are various species of sea turtles off our shores throughout the year, so do not assume they won’t be present outside of this season. The NOAA has produced a video that explains sea turtle-boat interactions with guidance on how you can avoid boat strikes and protect these threatened and endangered species. Please note that this video contains footage of a necropsy on a turtle that suffered from a boat strike and may not be suitable for all audiences, but it also shows the signs that our volunteers look for when assessing how a stranded turtle died.
https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/video/go-slow-sea-turtles-below
The NOAA and other wildlife conservation organizations recommend that boaters do the following to minimize the potential for boat strikes:
· Designate a spotter when boating to watch for marine life
· Wear polarized sunglasses to reduce glare
· Obey all slow speed or no wake signs
· Try to stay in deep channels and avoid boating over seagrass beds and shallow water
· If your vessel allows, keep boating activities a minimum of 1km offshore during nesting season
· Pay particular attention in inlets and passes where a significant number of boat strikes occur; travel at the slowest speed that is safe for conditions
When an injured or deceased sea turtle washes up on the shores of Seabrook Island, members of Turtle Patrol that are licensed by the DNR for stranding activities respond to evaluate the turtle’s condition, collect biological data about the turtle, assess the stranding scenario, and either aid in transport of the turtle for medical care or disposal of the carcass if deceased. Please report all sick/injured/dead sea turtles to the SCDNR at 1-800-922-5431 and the Seabrook Island Turtle Patrol at 843-310-4280 so that we can respond as soon as possible.
Additional information: https://mission.cmaquarium.org/news/help-protect-marine-life-boat-strikes/
Photo Credit: Adrienne McCracken