Sea turtle rescued from tide pool in barnegat light with surprise hitchhiker

Sea turtle rescued from tide pool in Barnegat Light with surprise hitchhiker

by
August 8, 2025

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
Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital news organization covering New Jersey, national politics, public policy, public safety, and community affairs. With years of experience reporting on local government, elections, law enforcement, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey, Stilton has built a reputation for delivering timely news, in-depth reporting, and accountability journalism.

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