A critically endangered hawksbill turtle has been released on the Great Barrier Reef, two years after he was rescued from the brink of death inside a tangle of ghost netting.
The hawksbill, affectionally named Dennis, was found helplessly tangled in the netting and badly injured by volunteers from the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, who took the juvenile in for specialised treatment and constant monitoring.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Critically endangered turtle released after ghost net injury
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Ghost gear or nets are abandoned fishing material that continues to float through the ocean, endangering marine life.
According to the Australian Marine Conservation society, in the past seven years around 14,600 turtles were caught up in ghost nets across northern Australia.
Despite best efforts, rescuers needed to amputate one of Dennis’s badly injured flipper, forcing the turtle to adjust to life with the remaining three.
He slowly relearned how to swim and feed on his own, with each win inching him closer towards release.
The estimated ten-year old turtle ended up spending two years rehabilitating in the safety of the centre, however, last week the long awaited all clear was given and Dennis was given the green light for release.
Crew members released Dennis east of Cairns onto the sheltered Moores Beach in line with recent research suggesting juvenile hawksbills often settle into coastal or reef habits abundant resources.
Dennis was released after losing a flipper and years of rehabilitation. Credit: Sunlover Reef CruisesCrew members gathered to watch the release on the Great Barrier Reef. Credit: Sunlover Reef Cruises
It’s far from goodbye, however, as a satellite tracking tag fitted in partnership with BioPixel Oceans Foundation, will allow researchers and the general public to follow his movements through an interactive BioTracker.
Known as the ‘”Pretty Boy” of the sea, hawksbills are extensively hunted for their trademark shell, which is considered the most attractive turtle shell for jewellery use.
Although researchers cannot be sure of his sex, conservationists are hopeful that Dennis is indeed a male and can contribute to population stability of the endangered species.
Saying goodbye to Dennis, who crew will still be able to track through a BioTracker. Credit: Sunlover Reef Cruises
— With Sarah Keszler
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