Hawksbill turtle dies in discarded fishing line (story and phtos)

[Dr. Doug Ebersole]

This past weekend while diving in West Palm I came upon a young hawksbill turtle that had become entangled in some discarded fishing line and drowned. I took some photos and showed them to Jim Abernethy. He then contacted the local CBS affiliate and I ended up giving the weekend anchor an interview and copies of the photos. So, a weekend dive trip turned into a short appearance on the local news!

Here is the story:

Endangered sea turtle found tangled in fishing line off Palm Beach | turtle, ebersole, wood - Top Story - CBS Channel 12 News



And the actual video segment that aired on TV:

Video : CBS Channel 12 News

Here are the actual photos:

 

[H2Andy]

poor chap


breaks your heart

good for you for getting awareness out there

 

[Mayor]

That really sucks. I hope by getting the word out some will not meet the same fate! If I see a line on a dive I pick it up and stuff it in my pocket. That goes for most junk I find with in reason.

 

[LowVizWiz]

Very sad indeed... I pick up fishing line and discard it properly anytime I find it.

Thanks for sharing.

 

[300bar]

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A ScubaBoard Staff Message...

2 identical threads merged.
No double posting please.

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[Froid]

Our family went to the turtle Hospital in Marathon last summer. It was a great tour and was very informative about the issues turtles have in todays oceans. They handed out a card to tell you the "turtle friendly seafood and fish"

If you get a chance, stop in and take a tour. It is worth it.


Froid

 

[cruiser]

That is heartbreaking. Thanks for getting it on the news.

 

[tropicaledit]

Good job on documenting this, furthermore, taking it to the media, hopefully something positive comes from it.

 

[Scott L]

This past weekend while diving in West Palm I came upon a young hawksbill turtle that had become entangled in some discarded fishing line and drowned. I took some photos and showed them to Jim Abernethy. He then contacted the local CBS affiliate and I ended up giving the weekend anchor an interview and copies of the photos. So, a weekend dive trip turned into a short appearance on the local news!

Here is the story:

Endangered sea turtle found tangled in fishing line off Palm Beach | turtle, ebersole, wood - Top Story - CBS Channel 12 News



And the actual video segment that aired on TV:

Video : CBS Channel 12 News

Here are the actual photos:

Doug,
Glad you found. We were on the Wetter the Better Saturday and tried to locate as there were photographers on board. We could not find...

 

[drbill]

I don't understand the "thinking" (or, more accurately, the lack thereof) involved when an angler discards fishing line like this. I was happy to hear on FB that it is not a common practice, that most anglers discard their lines in a more appropriate manner.

Thanks for posting the pix here, Doug.