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Rehabilitated sea turtles released back into the ocean in Virginia Beach

Posted at 2:03 PM, Jul 21, 2016
and last updated 2016-07-22 09:46:37-04

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – Three rehabilitated sea turtles will be released into the ocean Friday morning and public are invited to attend.

The turtles were hooked by local recreational fishermen and rehabilitated by the Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Team.

The naming theme for rehab patients at the Virginia Aquarium in 2016 is “herbs and spices” and the turtles being released were named Curry, Salt and Hops.

Curry and Salt were hooked by recreational fishermen at Virginia Beach Fishing Pier. They both appeared to be in good shape when they arrived at the Virginia Aquarium but X-rays revealed that Salt had a hook that needed to be removed under light sedation by Beach Pet Hospital.

Salt will be outfitted with a satellite transmitter that can broadcast his location after release. Funding for the satellite transmitter was provided by U. S. Navy Fleet Forces Command, and the transmitter location will be analyzed through a partnership with the Aquarium, U.S. Navy Fleet Forces Command, and Naval Facilities Engineering Command Atlantic.

The third sea turtle, Hops,  was hooked in the throat by a recreational fisherman at Virginia Beach Fishing Pier. The hook was removed under light sedation at Beach Pet Hospital.

The release will take place on the beach behind Neptune’s Park at 31st Street at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront at 9 a.m. Friday.

Parking is limited so early arrival is suggested.