Bon Voyage! Sea Turtle Inc. releases first hatchlings of season

By DINA ARÉVALO
Port Isabel-South Padre Press
editor@portisabelsouthpadre.com

Approximately 300 people crowded near the water at Beach Access #3 Wednesday to cheer on the release of over 90 Kemp’s ridley sea turtle hatchlings.

The first hatchlings of the season started emerging from their nests this week, with public releases hosted by Sea Turtle Inc. on both Monday and Wednesday. The public is invited to attend releases only if the turtles emerge from their nests after 5 a.m. Otherwise, Sea Turtle Inc. releases them far away from the distractions of city lights, which could lead the young seafarers off course.

With the rising sun casting a warm glow over the sand and surf, the crowd cheered as the last turtles made their way to the water.

Sea Turtle Inc. offers daily updates on turtle releases via Facebook and the Turtle Hotline. Messages on the hotline can be listened to by dialing (956)433-5735. Updates are posted nightly at 9:30 p.m. and again in the mornings before 6 a.m. With 30 nests found so far this season, hatchlings should continue to emerge well into July.

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Over 90 Kemp's ridley sea turtle hatchlings were released into the Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday, June 24, 2015. (Dina Arévalo | Staff Photographer).

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Over 90 Kemp's ridley sea turtle hatchlings were released into the Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday, June 24, 2015. (Dina Arévalo | Staff Photographer).

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Over 90 Kemp's ridley sea turtle hatchlings were released into the Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday, June 24, 2015. (Dina Arévalo | Staff Photographer).

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Over 90 Kemp's ridley sea turtle hatchlings were released into the Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday, June 24, 2015. (Dina Arévalo | Staff Photographer).

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Over 90 Kemp's ridley sea turtle hatchlings were released into the Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday, June 24, 2015. (Dina Arévalo | Staff Photographer).

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Over 90 Kemp's ridley sea turtle hatchlings were released into the Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday, June 24, 2015. (Dina Arévalo | Staff Photographer).

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Over 90 Kemp's ridley sea turtle hatchlings were released into the Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday, June 24, 2015. (Dina Arévalo | Staff Photographer).

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Over 90 Kemp's ridley sea turtle hatchlings were released into the Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday, June 24, 2015. (Dina Arévalo | Staff Photographer).

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Over 90 Kemp's ridley sea turtle hatchlings were released into the Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday, June 24, 2015. (Dina Arévalo | Staff Photographer).

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Over 90 Kemp's ridley sea turtle hatchlings were released into the Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday, June 24, 2015. (Dina Arévalo | Staff Photographer).

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Over 90 Kemp's ridley sea turtle hatchlings were released into the Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday, June 24, 2015. (Dina Arévalo | Staff Photographer).