John D. MacArthur Beach State Park rangers and Friends of MacArthur Beach State Park staff joined R/V ANGARI and her crew to release two juvenile loggerhead sea turtles offshore Palm Beach County.
EXPEDITION DETAILS
On July 13th, 2026, staff of Friends of MacArthur Beach State Park, park rangers from John D. MacArthur Beach State Park, Florida Park Service staff and guests boarded the R/V ANGARI with two Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) permitted loggerhead sea turtles, “Cece” and “Shelly” (both a year old), who were ready to be released offshore.
Cece and Shelly were originally a part of Florida Atlantic University’s Sea Turtle Research Lab located at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, where they were part of a study that was researching the effects of temperature on the gender of sea turtle hatchlings. In late 2025, as young juveniles, they arrived at John D. MacArthur Beach State Park and became part of the park’s sea turtle ambassador program to help educate the public about sea turtles and conservation associated with this species. Throughout their time at the park, a care team consistently measured and weighed the turtles, and eventually determined they were ready for release once they reached a certain size.
On the day of the expedition, R/V ANGARI departed from West Palm Beach and headed approximately 6 nautical miles offshore where they found a large patch of Sargassum to release the juvenile sea turtles. Once onsite, the park rangers, which had been closely monitoring the sea turtles during the transit out, quickly mobilized for release. One at a time, Cece and then Shelly were successfully released into the Sargassum-filled waters behind the vessel. Both loggerhead sea turtles spent a few minutes swimming around near the surface and evaluating their new home before diving down and swimming out of sight. Afterwards, everyone onboard cheered in celebration!
This trip was possible due to the Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County and the Palm Beach International Boat Show Gives Back Grant program.
Sea turtles were cared for and released in accordance with FWC Permit MTPP25/2614719B.
ABOUT FRIENDS OF MACARTHUR BEACH STATE PARK
Friends of MacArthur Beach State Park is the nonprofit partner supporting John D. MacArthur Beach State Park through conservation, education, recreation and community engagement programs. Friends works alongside the Florida Park Service to protect the park’s natural resources and connect visitors with the unique coastal ecosystem of Palm Beach County. For more information about the Friends of John D. MacArthur Beach State Park and Palm Beach County’s only state park, visit macarthurbeach.org.
