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  Dead Leatherback Recovery

The dive charter boat Narcosis responded to reports today (March 9, 2010) of a dead Leatherback turtle floating on the surface in the immediate vicinity of the dredge working on the Juno Beach nourishment project. The turtle was found about a mile off shore just south of the Juno Pier.

    

Divers were dispatched from the boat to secure the turtle, an adult male Leatherback estimated to be six feet long and 800-1000 pounds. The recovery team consisted of Capt. Van Blakeman of Narcosis Dive Charters, Steve Spring of Palm Beach County Reef Rescue and Dean Shuler of Pura Vida Divers.

At dockside FWC took possession of the turtle. The cause of death is not known, but bleeding was observed from what appear to be recent injuries. A necropsy will be performed by the University of Florida in Gainesville. Many thanks to the staff of the Riviera Beach Marina who provided a forklift to lift the turtle and transfer it to the FWC vehicle.

    

The Leatherback is considered one of the most endangered of the sea turtles and is a protected species under the Endangered Species Act. It is the first of the turtles to arrive in Palm Beach County for the annual nesting season which begins March 1st. The Loggerhead Marinelife Center of Juno Beach reported a record number of Leatherback nests (277) in our area last year.

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