The Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance and Rehabilitation Act would establish a federal grant program.
This month, sea turtles will begin laying their eggs on Florida’s sandy beaches. But these ancient mariners, who have graced our oceans for over 100 million years, now face unprecedented challenges. All six species of sea turtles found in U.S. waters are fighting for survival, with concerningly low population levels that have landed them on the Endangered Species List.
But more needs to be done beyond putting the animals under federal government protections. Our elected leaders in Washington need to ramp-up support for programs that help to proactively rescue, care for, protect and rehabilitate these majestic creatures of the deep.
The work being done by The Florida Aquarium in Tampa is a prime example. The facility’s state-of-the-art 19,000 square-foot rehabilitation facility is a beacon of hope for sick and injured sea turtles, equipped with advanced pools and veterinary suites to maximize rescue efforts. Earlier this year, the aquarium even acquired new Mobile Aquatic Sea Turtle Holding units to expand capacity.
And the facility growth comes in the nick of time. The recent wave of cold-stunned sea turtles flooding Florida’s rehabilitation centers underscores why these conservation programs are so important.
Sea turtles are cold-blooded reptiles that become severely compromised when water temperatures drop below 50°F. It can cause them to become lethargic, unable to swim and vulnerable to hypothermia, which can lead to shock, pneumonia and potentially fatal health complications.
As the crisis unfolds, the aquarium’s Turtle Rehabilitation Center and its dedicated staff recently reached maximum capacity—taking in more than a dozen animals just during the last week of February, bringing the facility’s total to more than 40. Sick and injured turtles being cared for have come from as far as Massachusetts.
Focusing on turtles with the most severe ailments, The Florida Aquarium treats each sea turtle for approximately 12 months before releasing them back into the wild. But these heroic efforts come with a big price tag.
On top of overhead costs to maintain the facility and have top-notch marine biologists and other specialists on staff, medical tests are expensive. As Debborah Luke, the aquarium’s senior vice president of conservation, recently shared, one blood work test costs about $90 and multiple blood tests are performed on each turtle throughout their time at the facility.
Legislation introduced in Congress would help responsibly run aquariums and other organizations pay for this important conservation work. Proposed in January, the Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance and Rehabilitation Act (H.R. 347) would establish a federal grant program to support institutions that rescue and rehabilitate sea turtles.
Saving even a single sea turtle is a victory for biodiversity. These gentle creatures play a vital role in maintaining the health of our oceans, from supporting coral reefs to balancing marine food webs. An investment in their rehabilitation is an investment in the future of our planet.
The Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance and Rehabilitation Act would be a lifeline for these endangered species — helping to arm dedicated professionals with the necessary tools to save animal lives. Together, we can ensure that sea turtles continue to swim in our oceans for generations to come.
Robin Ganzert, Ph.D. is the president and CEO of the American Humane Society, which certifies zoos and aquariums for the humane treatment of animals.