Caretta Research Project

Today we honor Kemp’s Ridleys, one of the most endangered sea turtle species, and the smallest! Their average weight is only 75-100 lbs. We're lucky enough to have a hybrid Kemp's Ridley x Loggerhead on Wassaw!

Sea turtles are vulnerable to ocean pollution at all stages of life, from eggs to hatchlings to juveniles to adults. Pollutants include things like toxic metals, pcb's, petroleum products, and agricultural and industrial runoff of contaminants such as fertilizers, chemicals, nutrients, and untreated waste. Learn about these turtles and the impact of ocean pollution at www.seaturtleweek.com/kemps-ridley-day.