Photo of the Week

“Trained NOAA scientists measure the carapace length of our unexpected catch.Before being returned to the Gulf, the Kemp’s Ridley is outfitted with two flipper tags.”

Photo: Steven Wilkie

NOAA takes sea turtle bycatch very seriously. No sooner had the turtle been put on the deck did the science team spring into action to collect vital statistics and data about the turtle before returning it back to the Gulf safe and sound. The Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys kempi), like most sea turtles, is considered an endangered species. By collecting data about the sea turtles, NOAA scientists can continue to monitor the health of the population.Scientists worked the turtle up by collecting measurements (length and width) of the shell, and collecting a tissue sample in order to perform DNA analysis. An electronic tag was inserted under the skin, so that if the turtle is caught again it can be scanned and more data can be added to its file. This would allow scientists to determine migratory patterns and growth rates. Finally the turtle’s rear flippers were fitted with tags that, again, would allow scientists to monitor its movement, age and growth." - Steven Wilkie