Marine Turtle Newsletter 51:26, © 1990
seaturtle.org : MTN : ARCHIVES : Sign In
Marine Turtle Newsletter 51:26, © 1990
Between January and May 1990, there were 15 reported [sea turtle] strandings, including five leatherbacks. The eight strandings in April were slightly higher than usual. With the very mild February weather the early spring seems to have brought turtles into nearshore water sooner, thus exposing them to the hazards there for a longer period of time. There were a few boats trawling for conchs and, as always, illegal set nets. [Shrimping season opens 1 June.] The May stranding average has been 18, compared to the six reported this year. Source: Loggerheadlines, Sea Turtle News from South Carolina, May 1990.
The total of 18 carcasses recorded for the month of June included two leatherbacks. This compares with an average of 55 strandings for June in past years (1980-1987) when TEDs were not required. This shows that TEDs work and that compliance has been very good in South Carolina. The jump in strandings from six in May to 18 in June may be due to improperly installed TEDs and/or illegal gill nets. Source: Loggerheadlines, Sea Turtle News from South Carolina, June 1990.
The news is still good for strandings ... July is usually our highest month for strandings, with an average of 102 during the years 1980-1987, with no TEDs. We had a total of 17 for July which is a decrease of 83%. When the entire season is considered, we have averaged 255 per year during the non-TED years. The total of 51 so far this year means that we are currently 80% below our average at this point in time. Source: Loggerheadlines, Sea Turtle News from South Carolina, July 1990.