Loggerhead sea turtle:
Loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) are the most common sea turtle in Chesapeake Bay. Loggerheads are listed as “threatened” in U.S. waters. Mainly juveniles are found here, foraging on blue crab, horseshoe crab, whelk, fish and sea grasses.
Photo courtesy Dennis Liberson.
Stranded Sea Turtle?
| January 30, 2009I've found a stranded sea turtle. What should I do?
If you see a live, entangled or injured, sea turtle, please note the exact location. Call the VIMS Sea Turtle Stranding Program emergency number at 804-654-1255. After the beep, enter a phone number where you can be reached and we will contact you. Please give a detailed description of the turtle's location, condition, your name, and a phone number where you can be reached.
If on the water, note your GPS position and stay with the animal, if possible, to help us locate it. Do not attempt to rescue the animal yourself. If you are out of cell phone range, radio the US Coast Guard via VHF Channel 16. They can then contact VIMS or the Virginia Aquarium Stranding Center at 757-437-6159.
If you find a dead, stranded sea turtle, please do not touch it. Note the exact location and call the VIMS Sea Turtle Stranding Program at 804-684-7313 or 866-493-1085 to report your find.
All of the sea turtles found in the Chesapeake Bay are either endangered or threaten species, thereby under the protection of the Endangered Species Act. When viewing sea turtles, you must stay at least 50 yards (150 ft) away.
(Some of this information is adapted from NOAA's Northeast Marine Mammal & Sea Turtle Protection Guidelines for Recreational Boaters & Fishermen.)
