Clearwater Marine Aquarium Urges Boaters to Protect Marine Life During Busy Memorial Day Weekend

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As Memorial Day Weekend nears, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) in Clearwater, FL, is calling on boaters to watch out for marine life in local waterways. Increased boating activity raises the risk of harming species such as sea turtles, manatees, and dolphins. Abby Stone, the Rescue Programs Manager & Stranding Coordinator at CMA, highlighted the risk of boat strikes, which can seriously injure or kill these animals.

Manatees, which swim slowly near the surface, are at high risk of boat strikes. Boaters should look out for signs like snouts and bubbles. Measures such as using a spotter and wearing polarized sunglasses can help prevent injuries to these animals.

Sea turtles also face high risks, particularly during their nesting season, which overlaps with Memorial Day Weekend. Loggerhead turtles, which are large, are often injured by boats as they come ashore to lay eggs. Stone has observed an increase in boat-related injuries to these turtles, often resulting in death.

Beachgoers are also reminded to keep beaches clean and free of obstacles like holes or sandcastles, which can block turtles' nesting activities and the hatchlings' path to the sea.

CMA advises against intervening with distressed marine animals directly. Instead, they recommend contacting professionals. CMA offers a rescue hotline, and other resources include the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and NOAA Fisheries Southeast Marine Mammal Stranding Hotline.