Help with Oil Spill Crisis
(Juno Beach, FL) May 4, 2010 – In anticipation of a patient load that
could dwarf that seen in the cold stun, the Gordon & Patricia Gray
Veterinary Hospital at Loggerhead Marinelife Center (LMC) is preparing
to receive sea turtle patients affected by the recent oil spill. The
area of the spill is a feeding ground for juvenile sea turtles and in
the direct migratory path of nesting Leatherback turtles. Possible
medical scenarios could include sea turtles suffering from digestive
and other problems, the result of eating oil covered food as well as
the inhalation of oil.
The center is already at almost double their normal patient capacity
as a result of the January cold-stun crisis. At that time, LMC helped
release more than 400 turtles in one week off their beach in Juno. An
additional 90+ turtles were assessed and admitted to the center.
Because of crude oil contaminants, the Loggerhead Marinelife Center
could be forced to create disposable isolation tanks for the turtles
to prevent contamination of the permanent facilities.
“The LMC established a triage protocol during the cold-stun which will
again be used as a framework and implemented if necessary. We will be
prepared should the need arise”, stated Nanette Lawrenson, LMC
Foundation President.
LMC Objectives for Immediate Future:
• Developing contingency plans based on information received from
Florida Fish & Wildlife
Conservation Commission (FWC) and other state agencies for extra
triage capacity
• Securing supplies and donations from our community partners and
donors to meet anticipated needs
• Providing information for marine and turtle advocates in a timely
manner via website, Facebook and other communications channels
Loggerhead Marinelife Center requests the public’s assistance to
prepare and procure the necessary supplies in order to be ready to
care for a large number of turtles, should the situation materialize.
Medications and supplies are costly; a list of what is needed is on
their website (www.marinelife.org) Donations to support the
rehabilitation efforts can also be made online at: marinelife.org, or
by calling 561.627.8280 x102.
