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March Sea Turtle Saturday
March 10, 2008
(Newport, Oregon) – On March 15, it's March Sea Turtle Saturday at
Newport's Hatfield Marine Science Center, which presents an in-depth
look at the species which does indeed exist off the Oregon coast, but is
rarely seen on the shore itself. It features Dr. Larry McKenna and a
talk on the threats to the leatherback sea turtle, a leatherback
painting contest for kids, and Dr. Selena Heppell of OSU talking about
conservation of turtles.
It all begins at 11:30 a.m. with Dr. Larry McKenna, author of "Almost
Gone," a detailed account of the Leatherback Sea Turtle.
The Leatherback Turtle Seminar will present a summary of the 2007 on the
beach activities in extremely remote Papua Barat, Indonesia. Related
issues directly involving the survival of this almost extinct specie of
sea turtle will be addressed. It will be a review of the human and
natural threats to this, the largest turtle in the seas, which if not
altered will see this giant disappear faster than any expectation. It
forages off the Oregon coast for three to four months a year
Immediately following the event will be the Leatherback Painting
contest, open to young children. All will be winners and can take home
what they create. This promises to be a fun event for the kiddies.
At 1:30 a.m. it's "Trials and Tribulations of Sea Turtle Conservation
Around the World," a talk given by Dr. Selena Heppell, Oregon State
University.
Sea turtles are icons of our oceans and have been important to people
for thousands of years. Today, most sea turtle populations are a
fraction of their historical abundance, due to over harvest, loss of
nesting habitat, marine pollution, and accidental drowning in fishing
gear. Yet, today we have numerous examples of successful conservation
efforts that have prevented the extinction of many populations,
including Kemp's ridley sea turtles in the Gulf of Mexico and
leatherback turtles in the Caribbean.
Through continued partnerships across international borders and among
resource stakeholders, we can all contribute to the recovery of these
ancient mariners.
At 2:30 p.m., there will be a public necropsy of a loggerhead sea
turtle. Staff will be dissecting this four-foot specimen to try to
determine cause of death, and to collect tissue and bone samples. The
bone sample will be used to determine the turtle's age. This is the same
turtle that washed ashore in Gearhart in December, and was alive for a
brief period. It was donated by the Seaside Aquarium.
It all happens March 15 at the Hatfield Marine Science Center, 2030
Marine Science Dr., Newport, Oregon. 10 a.m.
Admission by suggested donation. 541-867-0100.
hmsc.oregonstate.edu
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Newport, Oregon
The coast you remember.
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