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Image Sequence: Charlie Frese rescuing one of three Green Sea Turtles stressed by the cold
Charlie Frese is an imposing, athletic, tall man, with hands strong from working the ramps. In one fluid motion he hopped into a blue kayak and paddled toward the injured turtle. In all of ten graceful strokes he reached the distressed creature, and with his big hands scooped the suffering turtle into a basket as gently as an angel would wrap its wings around an injured child.
It was a metaphysical moment--harmony, compassion and grace expressed in one man's effort to help. It was only one turtle among thousands, but for that one turtle it proved to be the difference between immediate death and a chance to swim the waters of the bay once again. All because Charlie Frese has eyes attuned to nature and a heart willing to help.
The turtle was rushed to the CROW facility where it will be placed under Dr. Deitschel's care, warmed and monitored. We checked with Frese later in the day, and he told us that he had found two more Green turtles. This is the drama being played out across the state of Florida as rehabilitation facilities are being stretched to the breaking point.
Walking the beaches here on Sanibel, it is clear that a massive fish kill is underway and there is nothing that can be done. Nature will have her way.
The SCCF Marine laboratory, whose satellite office is located across the driveway from Tarpon Bay Explorers and Outfitters at the Tarpon Bay Marina and within the J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, is doing all that it can to monitor the situation. Hopefully the data they gain from the six RECON sensors that are attached to Coast Guard channel markers will provide historical data on this extraordinary weather event.
SCCF works with local, regional and state agencies to assess critical habitat status and trends.
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