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Sea turtles inhabit all oceans of the world. There are five species of sea turtles found in the Gulf of Mexico, all of which are either endangered or threatened. The most endangered species of sea turtle in the world is the Kemp's ridley which is also the most common species found in the waters off of Texas. Since the Kemp's ridley was listed on the Endangered Species Act, the Galveston Lab has played an important role in the conservation and recovery of this species through ongoing research, head-starting experiments and support of international conservation efforts. The Galveston laboratory is located on the site of the Historic Fort Crockett, one block from the Gulf of Mexico on Galveston Island, Texas, and is the only federal fisheries laboratory west of the Mississippi River on the gulf. A high quality seawater system delivers as much as 50,000 gallons daily and supplies large tanks, aquaria and raceways for experiments on estuarine and marine organisms; this is the largest and most extensive federally operated sea water system in the southeastern United States. The lab occupies about 55,000 square feet of research and administrative space shared with Texas A&M University and the Texas Institute of Oceanography. It is equipped with two facilities for sea turtle research focused since 1978 on the endangered Kemp's Ridley; this is the only federal facility in the United States dedicated to captive rearing of sea turtles.
The Galveston Laboratory is featured in the NOAA publication: "NOAA and the Preserve America Initiative". Download a PDF copy of this publication by clicking the link "Press" above.
Admission is free.
About National Marine Fisheries Service
NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service is the federal agency, a division of the Department of Commerce, responsible for the stewardship of the nation's living marine resources and their habitat. NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service is responsible for the management, conservation and protection of living marine resources within the United States' Exclusive Economic Zone (water three to 200 mile offshore). Using the tools provided by the Magnuson-Stevens Act, NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service assesses and predicts the status of fish stocks, ensures compliance with fisheries regulations and works to reduce wasteful fishing practices. Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act, NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service recovers protected marine species (i.e. whales, turtles) without unnecessarily impeding economic and recreational opportunities. With the help of the six regional offices and eight councils, NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service is able to work with communities on fishery management issues. NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service works to promote sustainable fisheries and to prevent lost economic potential associated with overfishing, declining species and degraded habitats. NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service strives to balance competing public needs.
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Galveston.com Visitor Ratings & Reviews
RATE AND REVIEW BY CLICKING HERE
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| Rating | Rated by | Date | Review |  | Selin family | 9/30/2008 6:56:00 AM | We loved it! Fantastic place to learn how fragile nature can be. We highly recommend it! Fantastic pictures of beautiful turtles! | | CHRIS MCCLOUR | 7/24/2008 11:35:00 AM | GREAT PLACE , EVERYONE LOVED IT AND IT WAS FREE , VERY VERY COOL | | aracely | 6/6/2008 12:40:00 PM | this is my daughter comment:
i love that place becouse i love sea turtles............... |
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Hours of Operation
Tour Schedules:
Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday: 10am, 11am, 1pm, 2pm
Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Sunday: Closed
Note: Hours may be seasonal and subject to change.
Groups of 8 or less are welcome without a reservation, at the above scheduled tour times only. Groups of 9 or more must call to schedule a tour. Call (409)766-3670 to schedule a turtle tour or for more information.
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72° P/sunny
