An adult male green turtle weighing more than 300 lbs. was found
dead in a mangrove area of North Sound on Wednesday, 21 May. A
group of kayakers spotted the turtle in a remote area and notified
the Department of Environment (DoE). DoE research staff recovered
the turtle and observed a deep fracture in its upper shell,
characteristic of a propeller wound. According to DoE Research
Officer Janice Blumenthal, "Turtles spend time at the surface
breathing, basking in the sun, and mating. Adult male and female
turtles are particularly vulnerable to boat strikes." She
continued, "The turtle breeding and nesting season has now
begun and will continue throughout the summer. DoE urges members of
the public to exercise caution when boating: Use slow speeds when
possible, and watch out for turtles at the surface." DoE staff
collected samples from the turtle and transported it to the St.
Matthew's University School of Veterinary Medicine where
veterinarians, assisted by students,
