Turtle Rescue 101

Why You Should NEVER Return a Stranded Turtle to the Ocean

As recreational anglers, we often pride ourselves on being stewards of the marine environment, appreciating its beauty and bounty. But what happens when we encounter a distressed marine animal, like a turtle washed ashore? Many of us may feel an instinct to “help” by returning it to the ocean. However, marine conservation experts stress that this well-meaning gesture could have deadly consequences for the turtle—and here’s why.

“Turtles strand on beaches because they are in trouble,” says Tracy Whitehead, from the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation’s Turtle Rescue Network. “Adult stranding season is something we see annually between Sept and Feb along our coast. They may be sick, injured, and simply too weak to survive in the wild and putting them back in the water could very well lead to their death. One major reason for weakness that causes turtles to strand is plastic ingestion and the subsequent inability to feed, plus possible internal infection.”

Why Turtles Wash Ashore

Turtles don’t choose to beach but can become stranded by onshore currents and weather and we are able, to a degree, to predict stranding areas and times by focusing on the weather patterns.

Hatchlings strand when they are pushed into our cold Cape coastal waters by wind and rough seas during hatchling stranding season March to June approx, after having been in the warm Agulhas current since first reaching the ocean after hatching. This causes cold shock and hyperthermia which, in turn, causes dehydration and weakness. They are fortunate if they strand and are found by a rescuer and then brought to us for rehabilitation and release.

Anglers: Here’s What You Should Do if You Find a Stranded Turtle

If you’re out on the beach or returning from a fishing trip and come across a turtle in distress, follow these steps to give it the best chance of survival. The most crucial advice for anyone encountering a turtle on the beach is simple: do not return it to the ocean.

Call for help: The Turtle Rescue Hotline, +27 (0) 83 300 1663, connects directly to the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation’s Turtle Rescue Network, a dedicated team that specialises in rescuing and rehabilitating stranded turtles. You will be advised on the next steps to take and how.
Move the turtle to safety: Ensure it is out of harm’s way, away from direct sunlight, predators, crashing waves and rocks, and the high-tide line. NOTE: Do this only under guidance. Moving an injured turtle can cause more injury so the situation will be assessed via the call and the rescue hotline representative can plan the best steps with you.
Place the Turtle in a Container on Dry Towels: Carefully move the turtle to a well-ventilated container or box lined with a soft dry towel. Never lift by the flippers or the edge of the carapace (shell) but always from underneath the belly. Ensure that the turtle remains cool, is not left in a hot vehicle and do not put into water. Turtles breathe air so they are safe out of water during the rescue process and may drown if submerged while weakened.
Avoid Additional Stress: A stranded turtle is almost always exceptionally weak and hardly moving. Taking selfies by passing the turtle around or handling it unnecessarily is an absolute no-no and the less it’s moved around or handled, the better.
Follow Any Further Instructions from the Rescue Team: The Turtle Rescue Network may provide additional guidance based on the turtle’s condition. They will arrange transportation and guide you to a designated drop-off point for immediate care.

Why This Matters to Anglers

As anglers, we’re often closest to these marine creatures and witness firsthand the impact of human activity on their lives. By reporting and rescuing stranded turtles, you can actively contribute to marine conservation. These creatures are essential to maintaining healthy oceans. For instance, adult turtles graze on sea sponges and seagrass, preventing overgrowth and supporting the marine food chain.

But turtles face increasing threats, many tied to fishing activities such as ghost fishing gear, plastic pollution, and habitat destruction. By adopting ethical fishing practices, by using biodegradable fishing line and properly disposing of waste, anglers can reduce these dangers.

The Turtle Rescue Network: Giving Turtles a Second Chance

The Turtle Rescue Network, led by the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation, specialises in saving stranded turtles and nursing them back to health. Every turtle rescued undergoes extensive treatment at the Turtle Conservation Centre, where injuries are treated, and weakened turtles are rehabilitated.

Upon recovery, some turtles are tagged before being released back into the ocean, contributing to vital research on migration patterns and population health. Unfortunately, the Foundation doesn’t have the funds to tag every turtle as this is a very expensive exercise.

How Anglers Can Help

Stay Alert: Watch for stranded turtles on the beach or floating plastic debris while on the water.
Participate in Cleanups: Organise or join beach and reef cleanups to reduce plastic waste in the ocean.
Spread the Word: Educate fellow anglers about what to do when encountering a stranded turtle.
Support Conservation Efforts: Donate to organisations like the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation or volunteer with local marine rescue teams.

For emergencies, call the Turtle Rescue Hotline at +27 (0) 83 300 1663. Together, we can protect these ancient mariners and the ecosystems they help sustain.

To learn more about the Turtle Rescue Network or to contribute, visit www.aquarium.co.za/foundation.