What should I do if I find a sea turtle in distress?

Report a dead sea turtle or one that appears sick or injured to the local sea turtle stranding network. Give the turtle space while trained responders assess the report.

Should I touch or move a sea turtle in distress?

Do not approach, touch, move, or otherwise interact with the sea turtle. Observe it from a safe and respectful distance.

What should I do after I report a sea turtle in distress?

Keep the turtle in sight from a safe distance. If possible, wait for trained responders to arrive. If the turtle is alive, be prepared to stay until help arrives.

Sea turtle in distress

Report a sea turtle in distress

A dead, sick, or injured sea turtle needs a report to trained responders. Give the turtle space while you report it.

Sources checked August 24, 2026: South Carolina DNR Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network (opens in a new tab) and NOAA Fisheries sea turtle help guide (opens in a new tab) and NOAA Fisheries marine life report page (opens in a new tab) .

Your four choices

Do not touch the turtle

Do not touch, handle, move, or return the turtle to the water.

Send an official report

Report the turtle to the sea turtle stranding network so trained responders can assess it.

Share what you observe

Note the exact location, whether the turtle is alive or dead, its approximate size, any spray paint mark, and the nearest access point.

Wait at a safe distance

After reporting, keep the turtle in sight from a safe distance. If the turtle is alive, stay nearby and wait for responders when possible.

What this page covers

This record gives general guidance for reporting a dead, sick, or injured sea turtle without handling it.

It does not report a local stranding, identify a species or cause, diagnose or treat the turtle, authorize handling, make a legal claim, promise an outcome, or provide a phone number.

Source: South Carolina DNR Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network (opens in a new tab) · Source: NOAA Fisheries sea turtle help guide (opens in a new tab) · Source: NOAA Fisheries marine life report page (opens in a new tab)

Sea turtle distress questions

What should I do if I find a sea turtle in distress?: Report a dead sea turtle or one that appears sick or injured to the local sea turtle stranding network. Give the turtle space while trained responders assess the report.; Sources: South Carolina DNR Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network (opens in a new tab), NOAA Fisheries sea turtle help guide (opens in a new tab), NOAA Fisheries marine life report page (opens in a new tab)
Should I touch or move a sea turtle in distress?: Do not approach, touch, move, or otherwise interact with the sea turtle. Observe it from a safe and respectful distance.; Source: NOAA Fisheries sea turtle help guide (opens in a new tab)
What details should I share when I report a sea turtle?: Share the exact location, whether the turtle is alive or dead, its approximate size, any spray paint mark, and the nearest access point.; Source: South Carolina DNR Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network (opens in a new tab)
What should I do after I report a sea turtle in distress?: Keep the turtle in sight from a safe distance. If possible, wait for trained responders to arrive. If the turtle is alive, be prepared to stay until help arrives.; Sources: South Carolina DNR Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network (opens in a new tab), NOAA Fisheries sea turtle help guide (opens in a new tab)