Marine rescue, rehabilitation center speaks up after death of endangered turtle in boat strike

Olivia Wilson
·1 min read
1

FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. (WKRG) — The Gulfarium CARE Center is speaking up after an endangered sea turtle died of injuries sustained in a boat strike.

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According to a Facebook post, the news of Monty the sea turtle’s death comes after he was brought into the CARE Center on May 30 with injuries to part of his shell called the carapace from a boat strike.

Although the death of any marine life in an accident is terrible, officials with the rescue and rehabilitation center said, “The loss of Monty is particularly significant because he was a male Kemp’s ridley sea turtle. Kemp’s ridleys are the most critically endangered of all seven sea turtle species.”

In response to the boat strike that officials said “significantly” cut Monty’s life short, officials with Gulfarium CARE Center shared the following safe boating tips:

  • Always be vigilant and watch for turtles and other marine animals.

  • Follow posted speed limits and boating regulations.

  • Use propeller guards to minimize injury to marine life.

  • Avoid boating in known turtle nesting areas.

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“He serves as a crucial reminder to practice safe boating for the sake of our marine life,” officials said. “Increased awareness and adherence to safe boating practices are crucial to protecting these endangered species.”

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