Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle Release

We are happy to announce the release of an adult female Kemp’s ridley sea turtle

Gulf World Marine Institute (GWMI) received a report of a Kemp’s ridley sea turtle that was accidentally hooked at Russel-Fields City Pier at Panama City Beach. Upon intake at GWMI radiographs showed two internal hooks, one in the mouth and one in the esophagus. A hook removal procedure was conducted and both were removed successfully. With no other medical concerns and normal bloodwork results, she was quickly deemed releasable and ready to be returned to the gulf!

Gulf World Marine Institute is very grateful to those involved in the rescue and transport of this sea turtle including Russel-Fields pier staff, pier fishermen, and PCB Turtle Watch. This turtle has been medically cleared by veterinary staff and has been cleared for release by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

GWMI would like to thank everyone involved in the rescue of stranded sea turtles. If you see a stranded or deceased dolphin, whale or sea turtle, please immediately report to Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, 1-888-404-3922 or #FWC on your cell phone.