SEBASTIAN INLET, Fla. -- Federal biologists released 37 loggerhead sea turtles into the Indian River Lagoon near Melbourne.
Florida Today reports the U.S. Coast Guard had to delay releasing another 132 turtles Monday because of squall lines from Tropical Storm Debby. There was no word on when they'll be released.
The turtles were used in research trials in Panama City. Biologists are trying to design fishing and shrimping nets that will help turtles escape. Drowning due to being caught in nets is one of the main causes of sea turtle deaths.
The 3-year-old turtles were gathered as hatchlings and raised in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's research laboratory in Galveston, Texas, before they were taken to Panama City for research.
They currently weigh between 20 and 30 pounds.
Associated Press