In South Carolina, sea turtles face numerous threats including boat collisions, cold weather, and diseases. In 2023, the Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network responded to 145 cases of sick, injured, or dead sea turtles, consistent with averages from previous years.
When a stranded turtle is reported, responders assess its condition. Most do not require medical care, but those that do are taken to one of the state's two authorized aquariums: Ripley's Aquarium in Myrtle Beach or the South Carolina Aquarium in Charleston. The goal is to rehabilitate these turtles for eventual release back into the wild.
However, some turtles arrive with severe injuries, such as those caused by boat strikes. In such cases, humane euthanasia may be authorized to prevent unnecessary suffering during transport.
As recreational water activities increase, the number of injured turtles also rises. The aquariums currently care for non-releasable turtles, including Gabriella and Bandit, both of whom have ongoing medical issues that prevent them from returning to the wild.
The network urges fishermen to report any hooked turtles and use drop nets to assist in their rescue. Four sea turtle species inhabit South Carolina’s waters, all of which are protected under federal and state laws.
Efforts are ongoing to monitor turtle populations and understand the diseases affecting them, with a focus on improving conservation strategies.