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SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium has celebrating the successful release of a rescued and rehabilitated Loggerhead sea turtle.

Affectionately nicknamed Blair, short for Blairgowrie, where she was rescued in December 2013, the Loggerhead turtle has been given a second chance at life thanks to SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Program, managed by SEA LIFE's aquarists, vets and with support from the SEA LIFE Trust.

On arrival, Blair weighed four kilograms and was only 35cm long, she was exhausted, dehydrated and malnourished, thankfully she has made a full recovery, growing 23cm and has been able to return to the wild weighing a healthy 25 kilograms.

Commenting on Blair’s rehabilitation, SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium Exhibit Manager, Tereza Todd stated “over the past two years Blair has been nursed back to health by the dedicated staff at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium.

“Thanks to this special program, a rich diet and lots of love and care she is well prepared for any threats she may face in the wild.”.

Blair was released at the end of January from a beach on the Parks Victoria managed Gabo Island, just off the coast of Mallacoota.

Mike Irvine, Ranger Team Leader Orbost skippered the Parks Victoria boat and assisted with the release.

Irvine stated “Gabo Island was selected as the location for Blair’s release, due to the proximity of the EAC (East Australian Current), from this location she has the option of choosing to head north or stay in the cooler temperate areas.”

Blair is part of the critically endangered South Pacific subpopulation of Loggerhead sea turtles native to the coast of Australia and the South Pacific.

Todd added “of the seven marine turtle species, six are listed from vulnerable through to critically endangered, proving that programs like this are paramount to the sea turtles survival.”

It is common for sea turtles to travel down to the southern parts of Australia but this long trip can leave them vulnerable and in need of assistance. Malnourishment, dehydration and boat strikes are common causes for sea turtles to be washed up and standard on beaches.

SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium is alerted when injured turtles are found as it is considered the best place for the rehabilitation of turtles over any other marine animal institution in Victoria.

All turtles on arrival are given a thorough medical check-up and are immediately treated for dehydration and parasites. When results of medical tests are known, the turtles are treated and monitored in quarantine. Once the turtle is rehabilitated and curatorial staff are satisfied there is a high likelihood the animal will survive if released, SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium then applies to the Victorian Government for an export permit to release the turtle.

Blair, the 13th sea turtle to be treated in the program at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium was fitted with a satellite tag to track her journey. The tag will provide important data, which will aid in further understanding sea turtle’s natural behaviour in the wild.

These state-of-the-art satellite tags are provided by the SEA LIFE Trust, through funds generated by public donations through events and coin spinners on-site at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium. Tags can be tracked on the Turtle Watch site, www.turtlewatch.org.au. This site is an epicentre for turtle tracking for all SEA LIFE attractions in Australia and New Zealand.

SEA LIFE Trust was established in 2012 with the mission to support and develop actions which educate, inspire and empower local, national and international communities, resulting in enhanced conservation and protection outcomes for our unique aquatic habitats and species.

Turtles are facing unprecedented threats in the wild, and run a gauntlet of risks just trying to survive. Fishing nets, plastic pollution, boat strikes, habitat loss and coastal development are individually and cumulatively impacting negatively upon turtle numbers around the world. Everyone can help protect these majestic creatures by remembering to reduce, reuse and recycle plastic waste.

For more information go to www.sealifetrust.org.au and www.melbourneaquarium.com.au

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