Rescue centers
On the basis of definition and indications included on the “Guidelines for the rescue, aid and management of the sea turtles for the rehabilitation and manipulation for scientific purposes” (ISPRA, 2013) rescue centers should aim mainly at the conservation of sea turtles. For this reason the activities of rescue centers should not be limited only on the rehabilitation of rescued individuals, but include also a conservation strategy at local and national level with the aim of reducing threats for these species directly in their own habitats
As one of the outcomes of the workshop “Rehabilitation of Injured Sea Turtles in the Mediterranean” (Athens, 19-20 of November 2004) besides the rehabilitation, the following roles have been defined as needful for rescue centers:
a) Education and training;
b) Relationship with stranding networks and fishermen
c) Participation to rescue centers network (with the aim of interacting with authorities)
d) Investigate on dead of individuals and data collection and dissemination
Rescue centers should respect the requirements included in the Guidelines related to the adoption of devoted devices and operators. With this perspective it is possible to define to different rescue centers:
- rescue centers for the first aid: individuals rescued are not in danger of death and the expected rehabilitation is quick (10-15 days), then they could be released or moved on recovery centers which are characterized by recovering tanks.
- recovery centers: this center is able to recovery serious health condition individuals which require specific diagnoses and long term therapies.
For further information visit the website:
http://www.isprambiente.gov.it/files/pubblicazioni/manuali-lineeguida/MLG_89_2013_Tartarughe.pdf
