If you find or catch a tagged sea turtle (live or dead), please phone the stranding hotline (757-437-6159 or 866-493-1085 [toll free]) immediately.

If you catch a LIVE, healthy tagged sea turtle, note the tag number, location, time and date of capture, and then release the animal.

If the animal is sick or injured, do NOT release it. Instead, keep it moist (cover with wet towels) and out of direct sunlight and heat.

If you catch a tagged fish or shark, read the tag carefully.

Note the tag number, location, and time and date of capture. Measure the length of the animal.

Call the phone number on the tag.

Follow the instructions on the tag.

e.g., release, clip/save tag