A female loggerhead turtle rescued off the coast of Gansbaai in July 2021 after getting stuck in a fishing net, has made a remarkable recovery and has travelled an astounding distance, averaging 42 km a day since her release back into the wild.
More than 13 volunteers were involved in rescuing Nobomvu, a female sub-adult loggerhead sea turtle, which had washed ashore after becoming tangled in ghost fishing gear. She underwent treatment for associated injuries under the care of the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation’s turtle-rehabilitation team.
After being successfully rehabilitated she was released back into the wild more than 450 days ago. The Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation reports that since then Nobomvu has travelled an astonishing 18 886 km, averaging 42 km a day, the length of a marathon!
“She’s been riding the ocean’s surface currents, exploring offshore marine protected areas (MPAs) along South Africa’s coastline,” reads a statement by the foundation. “Some of the most exciting moments have been seeing her visit seamounts, underwater mountains teeming with life. These areas attract seabirds, large marine mammals, and, of course, sea turtles like Nobomvu, offering rich feeding grounds.”
Recently, though, she’s taken a different route. Moving into the Eastern Cape, she’s hugging the shallower edge of the continental shelf, avoiding the strong southward pull of the Agulhas Current.
“This shift in direction makes us wonder what’s next for Nobomvu?” asked the Foundation. She’s a mature female, possibly from nesting beaches in iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Research from scientists like Nathan Robertson, Paolo Luschi, Linda Harris and Ronel Nel shows that nesting loggerheads stay close to shore during the nesting season. Afterwards they migrate north into Mozambique and beyond.
Visit the Two Oceans Aquarium website www.aquarium.co.za or the Facebook page for updates on Nobomvu’s journey.
