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NOAA Official Joins Turtle Hospital Director for Earth Day Turtle Release

Gudes Honors Richie Moretti with Environmental Hero Award

Marathon – Acting Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Scott B. Gudes joined Turtle Hospital Director Richie Moretti today for an Earth Day release of two rehabilitated green sea turtles into the waters of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

Gudes and Moretti released the two green sea turtles 3 miles north of Marathon on the gulf side of the Florida Keys. When brought to the Turtle Hospital two years ago, both turtles were covered in tumors and one was also entangled in monfilament fishing line. Now free of tumors, the two turtles swam quickly away once released from the Sanctuary vessel.
After the turtle release, Gudes proceeded to the Earth Day celebration at Cheeca Lodge, where he presented Moretti with NOAA’s Environmental Hero Award, recognizing his work rehabilitating and releasing sea turtles, educating the public, conducting and assisting with research and working toward improved legislation to protect turtles.
“Richie Moretti has given ceaselessly of his time, energy and personal finances to rehabilitate and release turtles that have been harmed through the actions of man, from pollution to boat injuries,” said Gudes. “While we’re honoring Richie today as an Environmental Hero, he truly deserves to be called an Environmental Superhero.”
Gudes presented the award on behalf of Secretary of Commerce Don Evans, whom Gudes noted is a strong supporter of the National Marine Sanctuary System.

Photo-Larry Benvenuti Acting NOAA Administrator Scott B. Gudes and Turtle Hospital Director Richie Moretti, honored by Gudes as a NOAA Environmental Hero, release a rehabilitated green sea turtle into the waters of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Left to right: Turtle Hospital Director Richie Moretti, Turtle Hospital volunteer Corinne Rose, Turtle Hospital animal and education coordinator Sue Schaf, Acting NOAA Administrator Scott B. Gudes, and Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Superintendent Billy Causey.

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