Boaters Be Aware….Ancient Creatures are Among Us and Sharing our Seas

Sea turtles have been swimming in our ocean since dinosaurs roamed our planet…long before boaters started enjoying the pristine blue-green waters of the Florida Keys.  A sea turtle has to surface to take a breath, they breathe the same air as we do.  Sometimes breaking the surface of the water to breathe results in an unfortunate incident with the prop of a boat.  You can help sea turtles to survive by staying alert when you are boating.  Obey speed limits, slow down and watch for marine life that may be on the surface of the water.  When you see a turtle on the water,  wait for it to swim away from your vessel.  When startled, sea turtles tend to dive down under your boat which may get them into trouble with your prop.  The Turtle Hospital has seen an increased number of boat hit turtles this season with six boat struck sea turtles coming into the Turtle Hospital in the past two weeks.  Enjoy your time on the water and help us to keep our marine life safe.  If you see a sick or injured sea turtle, please call FWC at 888-440-FWCC or our 24 hour stranding hotline at 305-481-7669.

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