BARNEGAT LIGHT, NJ – A routine day for the Marine Mammal Stranding Center turned into a rescue mission when a green sea turtle was found trapped in a tide pool near a jetty. The turtle, spotted munching on rockweed, appeared unaware that the outgoing tide would soon leave it without water.
Stranding Coordinator Jay, assisted by a certified MMSC volunteer and the Barnegat Light Beach Patrol, safely captured the turtle for examination. Officials said the reptile was in good health and active, but carried an unexpected passenger — a juvenile remora clinging to its shell.
Both the sea turtle and its hitchhiking fish were released back into the ocean nearby to continue their journey.
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Key Points
- Green sea turtle found trapped in tide pool near jetty in Barnegat Light
- Turtle healthy but carrying a juvenile remora on its shell
- Both animals released safely back into the ocean