The presence of algae on this turtle’s shell is a clear indicator of poor water quality in a local waterway. 🐢 This is important information we gathered during a recent stream monitoring session. Our Stormwater Management team closely monitors water conditions to assess environmental health and develop strategies for improvement. By understanding the challenges our streams face, we can implement effective solutions to protect our natural resources (and our turtle friends). 💧 | Johnson County,

In March, ”Goldilocks”, a loggerhead sea turtle, was found stranded with a large fishing hook in her throat, weak, and covered in epibiota. Epibiota is algae, barnacles, and other small marine life that attach to a turtle’s shell when they begin to move slow due to illness or injury. In healthy turtles regular swimming helps prevent this buildup. Friendly reminder if you find a sea turtle on the beach, be sure to call us at 1-866-TURTLE-5 so our GCSTR permitted responders can assist. Thanks to o