Dead Turtles Found Along The Gulf Coast; Investigations Ongoing

Members of the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies have been looking into why dead turtles were washed along the shore of the Gulf Coast. Initial theories indicate that this could be the result of the BP oil disaster back in 2010.

Also known as the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, the disaster took place in April 2010 and instantly became one of the biggest disasters in the marine ecosystem -- and considered the largest accidental marine oil spill in the petroleum industry. The oil rig exploded and sank, with the sea-floor oil gusher flowing to the Gulf of Mexico for 87 days before it came to a stop.

Although the well was declared sealed by September that same year, reports in 2012 indicated that it was still leaking. Response for protecting the beaches, wetlands, and estuaries became the top priority, but extensive damage to marine life has had already been reported.

Wendy Hatchett, an institute veterinarian technician and assistant stranding coordinator, said that turtle numbers have been down since the oil spill. However, this hasn't been confirmed yet, and there are a number of different factors that could come into play, such as the possibility of a red tide coming in. They will be able to find out more when the tissues sent to labs are analyzed.

According to The Times Picayune, 48 dead Kemps Ridley turtles have already been washed along the gulf shore this year alone. This list includes one turtle recovered on Sunday and three the day before that. Residents in the area who saw the turtle immediately called the authorities, and when officials checked the animal, they found something familiar: the turtle has been tagged.

That is to say, the institute released the animal before, but may have been caught on a pier. At present, they have no idea why there is an increase in their mortality rate.