Leatherback turtle in Dingle

Much excitement on Tuesday evening when we got word of a large leatherback turtle that had been brought in to the aquarium in Dingle. Apparently the six foot long animal had been caught in a line running off a lobster pot in Brandon Creek (the Cuas) and had been brought in by some fishermen. How they had managed to get her in we don't know as she was very, very feisty and very powerful. Scientists Tom Doyle from UCC and John from University of Wales Swansea were rushed over in order to fit a satellite tag on her back. Myrtle, as we decided to call her, was only stressed and not injured and was released back into the Cuas this morning. Tom later told us that this tagging was highly significant as it was the first time it has been attempted in Europe as leatherbacks are pelagic and opportunities to place tags are few and far between other than when they land to nest. This tag would hopefully result in a wealth of information such as where they go and how deep they dive - all crucially important in the fight to help this endangered species. Visit the Irish Sea Leatherback Turtle Project website at http://www.turtle.ie/ for lots more information.
We were all absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to see this magnificent animal and amazed to know that such large turtles frequent one of our regular divesites!!