While fishing for cobia in Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay, Brandon Watts and his friends encountered a large leatherback sea turtle caught in crab pot buoy lines. Battling strong winds and choppy waters, they carefully freed the 700-pound turtle, preventing a tragic fate.
- Fishermen found a leatherback turtle entangled in crab trap lines.
- They carefully cut the ropes despite 20 mph winds and rough waters.
- Researchers track rescued turtles to study their recovery and survival.
What happened
In mid-June, Brandon Watts and two friends were fishing in Chesapeake Bay when they noticed something struggling in the water near Buck Row Beach. It was a large leatherback sea turtle weighing around 700 pounds, caught in crab pot buoy lines wrapped multiple times around its neck and flippers. The fishermen faced challenging 20 mph winds and choppy waves but carefully maneuvered to cut the turtle free with a razor knife.
Watts described feeling driven by a protective instinct, unwilling to leave the animal to suffer or die. His friend Travis Cullipher managed the boat’s position to keep a safe distance while Watts worked. This rescue echoes similar efforts elsewhere, where abandoned fishing gear continues to threaten these majestic and endangered turtles.
Why it feels good
The rescue shines a light on the power of community and compassion in protecting vulnerable wildlife. Leatherback sea turtles are the largest sea turtle species globally, yet they face profound dangers from pollution and lost fishing gear. Actions by individuals like Watts and his friends make a real difference in preserving these gentle giants and their ocean homes.
Moreover, the story offers hope amid environmental challenges. By recognizing the issue and responding with kindness and care, these fishermen remind us that small acts of courage and responsibility help sustain the natural world for future generations.
What to enjoy or watch next
Beyond immediate rescues, scientists are now tagging rescued turtles with satellite and acoustic devices, enabling long-term monitoring of their movements and health. This technology helps track turtles for up to ten years, providing valuable data to support conservation strategies.
For those interested, the New England Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Tracker offers a chance to follow individual turtles like “Phinney,” a leatherback previously rescued in Cape Cod Bay. Watching these ocean voyagers reminds us of the ongoing connection between human care and wildlife survival.