Ponce Inlet, FL - Over the last 18 years, the Marine Science Center in Ponce Inlet has rescued and rehabilitated numerous sea turtles, water birds, and other wildlife. They also educate the public about the marine resources of our area.
Chad Macfie, manager of the Center, said they have had a number of turtles brought in recently for care. Recent rough seas have stranded some turtles and weakened them. Others are covered with barnacles. He said that 18 of them have been transferred to another facility because they don't have enough room. "We still have 26 juvenile green sea turtles that are about the size of a large dinner plate. This last nor'easter pushed them all to shore. They were rescued and brought to the Marine Science Center where they will be rehabilitated."
Besides the rehabilitation of sea turtles and water birds, the Marine Science Center has a number of exhibits of Volusia County habitats. "We have a mangrove exhibit, an artificial reef exhibit, and a living reef exhibit. We also have a new seagrass exhibit that features seahorses." Macfie said the exhibits give staff the chance to explain how important the different habitats are to visitors. "Seagrasses are very important locally, to the Indian River Lagoon. They are important for fishes, invertebrates and basically the whole food chain of the Indian River Lagoon.
Another exhibit at the Marine Science Center that makes everyone smile is the touch pool. Macfie says visitors can touch cow-nose rays. "We actually have feeding times too. At 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., there are opportunities for visitors to feed the rays."
Find out more about the Marine Science Center by clicking here.
