From left to right, Drs. Alison Lee, Beth Peterman, and Debra Moore are all Global Center for Aquatic Health and Food Security scientists who contribute to the Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Health Program's mission of rehabilitating sea turtles. (Photos by Tom Thompson)
By Alaina Dismukes
Recently, Kemp’s ridley sea turtles, under the care of the Global Center for Aquatic Health and Food Security (GCAHFS), received check-ups, involving ultrasounds and other procedures to see how they are progressing in their journey toward recovery after being cold-stunned in December 2023.
These sea turtles, about 25 in all, are under the supervision of GCAHFS veterinarian, Debra Moore, and the sea turtles are held at the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies on the Coast of Mississippi until they are completely rehabilitated.
“Several sea turtles recently traveled from the coast to Starkville, MS, for comprehensive exams, including a full ultrasound examination,” said Alison Lee, assistant professor and service chief of diagnostic imaging at Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine (MSU CVM). “Turtles are continuing to receive care from veterinarians and are recovering from cold-stunning events this winter. Once deemed healthy by the GCAHFS Sea Turtle Health Steering Committee, these turtles will be released back into the Mississippi Gulf.”
Additionally, this was a learning opportunity for MSU veterinarian students.
“Students were able to learn sea turtle restraint and examination techniques, review radiographs on these patients, and observe ultrasound examinations performed on these patients,” Lee said. “Such experiences are a great opportunity for students to gain experience and confidence working with these species and to contribute to the health of these animals and the Gulf Coast.”
Sean Perry, Mississippi Aquarium associate veterinarian and MSU CVM adjunct faculty, was online, helping to answer questions while the students’ helped Lee perform the examinations.
“These sea turtles are under the best possible care thanks to our team,” said Beth Peterman, MSU assistant clinical professor and project manager for the GCAHFS Gulf Coast Aquatic Health Program. “We have released a few sea turtles already this spring, and there are more to come over the summer.”
These activities under the Global Center for Aquatic Health and Food Security Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Health Program are funded by a grant from the Natural Resources Damage Assessment under the Mississippi Trustee Implementation Group Restoration Plan 3/Environmental Assessment; it is administered by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality. For more information, go to www.gcahfs.msstate.edu/projects/marine-mammal-and-sea-turtle-health-pro….