ABOVE: Watch as Coast Guard rescuers struggle to free an 800-pound sea turtle trapped in fishing lines
Rescue crews helped free an 800-pound Leatherback sea turtle trapped in fishing gear off the coast of southern New Jersey.
Breaking news from Canada and around the world
sent to your email, as it happens.
Someone on a fishing boat spotted the turtle Wednesday morning and alerted the Coast Guard to its location.
Rescuers were able to use their hands to extricate the turtle from the tangled fishing gear.
The turtle then swam off.
Leatherback turtles are among the largest reptiles in the world, but incidental traps created by fishing gear are one of the primary threats to their survival.
More on Science and Tech
- 2021 heat dome fuelled by climate change, intensified wildfire risk: study
- B.C. introduces legislation recognizing Haida Gwaii Indigenous title
- Whale experts confident B.C. orca calf will survive, find family if rescue plan succeeds
- Chemical plant shuts down after high benzene levels detected near Ontario First Nation
Comments