Checkered Flag fans who missed the big sea turtle release earlier this week will want to head to the oceanfront this Thursday morning for another chance. For the first time, the Virginia Aquarium is going to release a sea turtle along the busier oceanfront area.
Stranding team to release turtle near Atlantic Ave.
The Virginian-Pilot
VIRGINIA BEACH
For the first time, the Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Team will release a rehabilitated sea turtle along the shore near Atlantic Avenue and Laskin Road.
The Kemp's ridley turtle, Shredder, was hooked accidentally by a fisherman off the Little Island Pier in Sandbridge on May 23, according to a news release from the aquarium.
Officials decided to release the turtle at 8:30 a.m. Thursday in an area that?s easy for locals and tourists alike to see.
Shredder received antibiotics after the hook was removed and he has become something of a hero at the facility because a fourth of his carapace is missing. Marine experts believe the injury likely was the result of a shark bite. It healed naturally.
Shredder was named for a character in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise because officials are using a heroes and villains theme for creatures rehabilitated at the facility this year.
An acoustic tag will be attached to Shredder to transmit coded messages underwater that will be received by the Navy. The data will allow Navy officials to track the movements of sea turtles to develop better ways to protect them if they are in the areas where the Navy has assets or is conducting training.
For more in Hampton Roads events, stay tuned to Checkered Flag.com.
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