Coast KZN

State of the Coast: KZN
State of the Coast: KZN

State of the Coast: KwaZulu-Natal Chapter 1: Introduction & Background Chapter 2: Overarching Drivers Chapter 3: Climate Variability
Chapter 4: Coastal Environment Chapter 5: Estuarine Environment Chapter 6: Marine Environment Chapter 7: Human Environment Chapter 8: Economic Environment
Chapter 9: Governance Environment Chapter 10: Conclusions
The Profile of the KZN Coast
The Profile of the KZN Coast

Ugu Lwethu- Our Coast Defining the Coastal Zone The Physical and Coastal Environment Coastal and Marine Ecosystems
Coastal and Marine Species Migrations The Human Dimension Socio-Economic Uses of the Coast Commercial Resource Uses
Pressures and Threats Management of the Coastal and Marine Environments Understanding our Coast
Coastal access
Coastal access

Access RoutesBoat Launch SitesThe Human DimensionCoastal Access: Stats & Facts
Estuaries
Estuaries

What is an Estuary? Know your Estuaries Estuary Health and Conservation KZN Estuary Observer Programme
Historical Time Series Estuary Mouth Status Sand Mining
Recreation
Recreation

Fish TaggingAccess RoutesBlue Flag Beaches
Coastal risk and vulnerability
Coastal risk and vulnerability

Coastal Risk LinesExtreme EventsCoastal ErosionKZN Coastal Vulnerability IndexPollution
Coastal issues
Coastal issues

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21 Apr 2021

Kite surfer rescues sick green turtle at La Mercy lagoon

Juan Venter (North Coast Courier) Picture: Gabby at uShaka Marine World's hospital where she has been placed in a shallow fresh-water bath while recovering from a severe case of suspected pneumonia.

A La Mercy kite surfer and National Sea Rescue Institute, Ballito braved large surf on Sunday to help a severely ill green turtle at the La Mercy lagoon. The unknown kite surfer was able to safely bring the turtle to shore, where NSRI crew took it into its temporary care.

“The turtle appeared to be weak with some minor scratches and scrapes. uShaka Marine World informed us of a vet who would be standing by to receive the turtle,” said NSRI Ballito duty coxswain, Brendon Power.

The turtle was taken to uShaka Marine World by the Ballito NSRI team. South African Association for Marine Biological Research communications officer, Ann Kunz said the adult green turtle, since named Gabby, was estimated to be between 8 and 10 years old. She told the Courier that Gabby appeared to have been floating at sea for about 2 months, evident by her carapace, flippers and head being covered in barnacles.

“She is still very weak and although not severely dehydrated, she is barely able to move or lift her head,” Ann said.

Preliminary tests revealed that Gabby’s white blood cell count was off, as were her protein levels. According to Ann, this indicated that Gabby was battling a severe infection, which radiographs taken on Tuesday confirmed.

“Our veterinarian, Dr Francois Lampen has administered intravenous fluids to stabilise her, and antibiotics to help with any possible infection. At this stage we are unable to determine ‘her’ sex, but because she is such a tenacious fighter we have decided she must be female!”

Gabby will receive special care over the coming weeks with the hope that she keeps fighting.

 

Online Article