Newsroom

PHOTO/VIDEO OP TOMORROW
What: Release of “Myrtle,” a loggerhead sea turtle rehabilitated by Mote staff who removed numerous fish hooks from its body.
When: 8:30 a.m. tomorrow, April 8. Please arrive 10 minutes early.
Where: The northernmost lifeguard tower on Lido Beach (parking available along the road).
Contact: Hayley Rutger, Public Relations Coordinator, 941-374-0081, hrutger@mote.org

A sea turtle that was rehabilitated at Mote after being hooked by anglers multiple times near a fishing pier will be released at 8:30 a.m. Friday near the northernmost lifeguard tower on Lido Beach in Sarasota. The release of this turtle offers the chance to help remind the public to keep our waters turtle friendly while they fish and boat.

The loggerhead sea turtle — nicknamed Myrtle — is about 10 years old and was rescued on Oct. 7, 2010, near the Venice Fishing Pier. Locals nicknamed the animal Myrtle after spotting it repeatedly from the Pier.

“We had gotten several reports that Myrtle was feeding from fishing lines, which was a concern, but it wasn’t immediately possible to catch the turtle,” said Gretchen Lovewell, Manager of Mote’s Stranding Investigations Program. “When the turtle got caught on an angler’s line, we finally had the opportunity to bring the turtle to shore.”

Once the turtle was at Mote, staff was able to remove two shark hooks embedded in its skin, including one measuring 7 inches long (curve included).

 X-rays also revealed remnants of old hooks in Myrtle’s digestive tract — which were broken down and unlikely to cause harm — along with two newer hooks in its throat, which posed a threat. “Hooks can cause internal bleeding, infections of the stomach and GI tract, and eventually death,” said Lynne Byrd, Mote’s Rehabilitation and Medical Care Coordinator. “It was important to get them out.”

Mote staff removed the hooks during two successful surgeries and treated Myrtle with antibiotics. The turtle recovered quickly and showed a strong appetite during its stay at Mote — a sign of good health. “Sea turtles are very resilient I’m always impressed by their healing abilities,” Byrd said.

About 20 percent of the sea turtles recovered by Mote’s Stranding Investigations Program during the past decade in Sarasota County have shown signs of human interaction, Lovewell said. Most of those interactions were boat strikes; about 20 percent of the interactions involved fishing gear.

To protect turtles like Myrtle, anglers, boaters and beachgoers should follow these tips:

• Stow your trash (especially cigarette butts and plastic) and recycle or dispose of it in a closed container on shore.
• Make sure your fishing line is in good condition to help reduce breakage.
• Use corrodible hooks. These hooks are designed to rust away and are less likely to harm sea turtles and other marine life.
  
  

You can help Mote care for sick and injured sea turtles by supporting Mote's hospital through Gulf Coast Gives, a new Web site created by Gulf Coast Community Foundation to connect the needs of local charities with people in the community who want to help. Visit: https://www.gulfcoastgives.org/projects/45

About Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium
Founded in 1955, Mote Marine Laboratory is an independent nonprofit (501(c)3) marine research organization based in Sarasota, Fla., with field stations in eastern Sarasota County, Charlotte Harbor and the Florida Keys. Donations to Mote are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. We are dedicated to advancing the science of the sea through the study of marine and estuarine ecosystems, through our public Mote Aquarium and through an education division that provides unique programs for all ages. Mote has seven centers for scientific research focusing on sharks, sea turtles and marine mammals, coral reefs, the study of toxins in the environment and their effect on human health, aquaculture, coastal ecology and fisheries enhancement. Showcasing this research is Mote Aquarium, open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 365 days a year. Learn more at www.mote.org.

Contact: Mote Marine Laboratory, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236. (941) 388-4441 or info@mote.org.