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Galveston Scientists Release Rescued Kemp's Ridley Turtles

flickr.com/photos/myfwc/ (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Scientists down in Galveston are working to save an endangered species of sea turtle. Houston Public Media's Syeda Hasan rode along with them on a recent trip to release rehabilitated turtles into the Gulf of Mexico. 

Joe Flanagan is the chief veterinarian at the Houston Zoo. He’s on a boat about 25 miles offshore, directing a team of researchers as they prepare to release turtles into the water. The animals often get caught by fisherman, and the group rescues and rehabilitates them. On this trip, they released eight Kemp’s ridleys, an endangered species of sea turtles.

“We are actively trying to bring them back, and all of us have a responsibility in protecting our habitat," Flanagan said.

Flanagan says large populations nest in the Gulf of Mexico, but their numbers have been steadily declining. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is still assessing if some of that decrease stems from the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010. Flanagan says protecting the Kemp’s ridley’s natural habitat is key to recovery.

“So they’re putting out recycling bins for fishing line," Flanagan said. "They’re putting up signs that say, ‘if you see a turtle call this number.’”

Flanagan says he thinks awareness is growing.