Sea turtle stranding season is here

GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - Marine rescue authorities have started gearing up for the annual sea turtle "stranding season" which sees large numbers of mostly endangered loggerhead turtle hatchlings end up on Southern Cape beaches.

A team of nine passionate conservationists, aquarists and turtle lovers from the Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town and its NPO, the Two Oceans Aquarium Education Foundation, have taken to the road to visit communities along the Southern Cape coast to educate the public on how to save these turtles from certain death when they do end up on the beach.

This week the team visited Plettenberg Bay, Knysna, Rheendendal, Sedgefield, Wilderness, George, Stilbaai and Witsand before moving on to communities between Infanta and Gansbaai.

The turtles are hatchlings from KwaZulu-Natal, the nearest breeding area, that become caught in strong currents.

Leeuwner said it is important not to place any stranded sea turtles back in the water as they could drown.

"Rather put the hatchling in a small, dry container with air holes and something soft to rest on."

She added it is important to also identify the nearest Turtle Rescue Network point and then transport it there, keeping it out of direct sunlight and without covering it or providing it with food and or water.

If you are unsure about the nearest Turtle Rescue Network point, contact network coordinator Tracy on 083 300 1663.

Do not place any stranded sea turtles back in the water.