It is always exciting to see a manatee or a sea turtle when out boating or in my case diving one of the wrecks. On the Nettleton Liberty Ship, I saw two huge sea turtles, one swimming and watching me and another sleeping. But this is the time of the year in Georgia’s coastal waters that boaters should be on the lookout for these big and rare animals. I see them along the coast, far out to sea and all around the marshes and back rivers.
Tips on what to watch for in the coast’s murky waters differ. A “footprint” of swirls may mark a 1-ton manatee underwater. A 300-pound loggerhead sea turtle may show only its head when it surfaces. On that note, dolphins seem to pop out of no where right in front of you anywhere from in front of the islands oceanside to the back rivers. Very cool! The best advice: Be aware, and be prepared to slow down or steer clear
According to the Georgia DNR, more than 50 sea turtles have been found dead or injured on the beach or strand in Georgia this year, double the highest total during the same period over the last five years. Seven of 13 turtles stranded during a recent week had injuries consistent with being hit by a boat. One was an adult female loggerhead, particularly critical to the species’ recovery. Manatees drawn north by warm waters and abundant marsh grass and other vegetation are found in all Georgia tidal rivers, estuaries and near-shore marine waters, mostly east of Interstate 95. (GA DNR Press Release 5/4/2012)
Taking heed of the low-speed and no-wake zones, particularly around docks where manatees eat algae growing on the structures, will reduce your chance of hitting one. So will sticking to the main channels when boating in tidal rivers and creeks. Seriously, you really don't want to run over and possibly kill one of these animals do you?
The Georgia DNR has asked that boaters who hit a manatee or sea turtle should stay at the location if possible and immediately contact the DNR at 800-2-SAVE-ME (800-272-8363). Another option is to make a note of the GPS coordinates - most marine GPS units have a Man Overboard feature. This provides biologists the best chance to help the animal and gather data on the boat strike. GA DNR says that boaters will not be charged if they were operating their boat responsibly and the collision was an accident.
Jekyll Island has a Sea Turtle Rescue center that has gained world wide fame for its ability to rehab sea turtles releasing them into the wild. Why not take a trip over there and see why these animals are worth protecting.
Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island
http://www.georgiaseaturtlecenter.org/
Georgia Dept. of Natural Resources
http://www.georgiawildlife.org/
Tips on what to watch for in the coast’s murky waters differ. A “footprint” of swirls may mark a 1-ton manatee underwater. A 300-pound loggerhead sea turtle may show only its head when it surfaces. On that note, dolphins seem to pop out of no where right in front of you anywhere from in front of the islands oceanside to the back rivers. Very cool! The best advice: Be aware, and be prepared to slow down or steer clear
According to the Georgia DNR, more than 50 sea turtles have been found dead or injured on the beach or strand in Georgia this year, double the highest total during the same period over the last five years. Seven of 13 turtles stranded during a recent week had injuries consistent with being hit by a boat. One was an adult female loggerhead, particularly critical to the species’ recovery. Manatees drawn north by warm waters and abundant marsh grass and other vegetation are found in all Georgia tidal rivers, estuaries and near-shore marine waters, mostly east of Interstate 95. (GA DNR Press Release 5/4/2012)
Taking heed of the low-speed and no-wake zones, particularly around docks where manatees eat algae growing on the structures, will reduce your chance of hitting one. So will sticking to the main channels when boating in tidal rivers and creeks. Seriously, you really don't want to run over and possibly kill one of these animals do you?
The Georgia DNR has asked that boaters who hit a manatee or sea turtle should stay at the location if possible and immediately contact the DNR at 800-2-SAVE-ME (800-272-8363). Another option is to make a note of the GPS coordinates - most marine GPS units have a Man Overboard feature. This provides biologists the best chance to help the animal and gather data on the boat strike. GA DNR says that boaters will not be charged if they were operating their boat responsibly and the collision was an accident.
Jekyll Island has a Sea Turtle Rescue center that has gained world wide fame for its ability to rehab sea turtles releasing them into the wild. Why not take a trip over there and see why these animals are worth protecting.
Sea Turtle being cared for at
Georgia Sea Turtle Center
on Jekyll Island, Georgia
my daughter Hannah snorkeling
with a Sea Turtle in St. Croix USVI
We all share the responsibility to protect Georgia's habitat and wildlife for future generations.
Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island
http://www.georgiaseaturtlecenter.org/
Georgia Dept. of Natural Resources
http://www.georgiawildlife.org/
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