March 18, 2022
Today the necropsy (animal autopsy) revealed the cause of death was drowning due to entanglement in the net.
March 17, 2022
NOAA's Office of Law Enforcement is offering a reward of up to $20,000 for information leading to the successful prosecution of the person(s) responsible for the death of an entangled green sea turtle. It was found in a homemade net found along US Route 1, next to a kayak launch between Spruce Creek Park and Divito Park in Port Orange, Florida.
NOAA’s stranding network partner, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, recovered the animal last week. North Atlantic green sea turtles are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act and it is illegal to harm them. We are seeking information from anyone who may have details of this incident. Please call the NOAA Enforcement Hotline at (800) 853-1964. Information may be left anonymously. However, you must include your name and contact information when calling to be eligible for the reward.
Historically, green turtles were hunted for their fat, meat, and eggs, causing global population declines. Bycatch in commercial and recreational fishing gear, vessel strikes, loss of nesting habitat from coastal development, and climate change are the biggest threats facing green turtles.
