South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) – U.S.A. (2023)

© South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR)

Interaction with recreational anglers is one of the most common causes of stranding for juvenile, critically endangered Kemp’s ridleys in South Carolina. This also affects juvenile greens and subadult loggerheads that frequent these waters and utilize the coastal environment as foraging grounds. In a state that experiences a high rate of coastal tourism in concurrence with sea turtle season, sea turtle-human interactions will inevitably occur.

The Southern Carolina Department of Natural Resources is addressing this issue and raising awareness by posting signage in both English and Spanish at coastal piers throughout the state that displays the NOAA “Recommendations to Reduce Injuries if you Hook or Entangle a Sea Turtle” along with the stranding hotline phone number. In addition, they’ll train staff at these piers through education workshops and presentations to increase capacity for dealing with a hooked sea turtle.