CRTM Grosseto
The CRTM of Grosseto has managed since 1993 by the non-profit organization Grossetano Underwater Club. To date were recovered a total of 222 individuals belonging to the species Caretta caretta: 51 specimens were found dead in nets or beached, 12 died during hospitalization Aquarium and 158 have been rehabilitated and subsequently released into the sea. Two specimens are currently hospitalized and waiting to be released.
Currently the center operates with permission notwithstanding DPR 357/97, maturing in November 2016 and is part of a network coordinated by the Tuscan Observatory of Cetacean and Sea Turtles (OTCT).
The CRTM collaborates with the Department of Biology of the University of Pisa (Dr. Paul Luschi) for satellite monitoring of 8 specimens, with the University of Siena for the study of the presence and effects of pollutants on marine turtles and The University of Florence for microbiological investigations faecal on Caretta caretta. The Centre is equipped with five tanks equipped with filtration systems and continuous closed loop.
For the diagnosis and treatment to specimens, the Centre cooperates with some veterinary studies of Grosseto. On dead specimens (such recovered or died during hospitalization), veterinarians and operators conduct scientific autopsy investigations to verify the cause of death and analyze the stomach and intestinal contents.
During the years the Center has tried to raise awareness among local fishermen to the problem of bycatch by infoday and training courses. Moreover, learning activities on marine ecosystems with schools across the province of Grosseto are constantly carried out.
