The Apex Cetacea team is specially trained and certified for marine animal rescue and has the appropriate equipment for each species in distress. Each year, we conduct several rescues in collaboration with the relevant organizations. Our members are trained by the BDMLR (British Divers Marine Life Rescue) for cetacean and pinniped rescues and operate exclusively with the approval of Pelagis. We also hold the Green Card for Sea Turtles under the RTMAE (East Atlantic Marine Turtle Network), guaranteeing that our care is carried out in accordance with established protocols. This information, accumulated over four years, forms a solid internal database for our organization and for our research, but it can also be shared internationally to understand cetacean behavior and migrations. This research is fundamental to developing effective conservation strategies and raising public awareness of environmental issues. We aim to publish the first research specific to cetaceans from the Capbreton Gouf, thus strengthening our contribution to marine science.
The Apex Cetacea team in action during a real-life training exercise with the BDMLR, simulating cetacean refloating scenarios to perfect their interventions.
Rescue of 17 Caouanne (Loggerhead sea turtle)
Spring 2024
In spring 2024, Apex Cetacea intervened to rescue 17 loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) stranded in the Capbreton Gulf. The abnormal presence of these turtles at this time of year is due to excessively low water temperatures, causing hypothermia, malnutrition, and dehydration in these animals. We recovered most of the turtles at sea, in the currents, during our research expeditions. This operation was carried out in collaboration with the La Rochelle Aquarium Rescue Center (C.E.S.T.M.) to ensure medical monitoring of the turtles.
A dedicated turtle rescue outing was organized with one of the aquarium’s keepers. After receiving initial care at our center, the turtles were taken into the care of the La Rochelle Aquarium.
This year, more than 150 individuals were rescued. The turtles were released in Brittany, once they had regained their strength and the water was warmer, for their reintroduction into the natural environment.