Shellshock on Irish beaches

A LEADING marine biologist plans to establish a North Atlantic Sea Turtle hospital in Ireland after another disoriented reptile washed up in Kerry.

- BY LYNNE KELLEHER

Five tropical sea turtles have landed this year alone - an unprecedented surge blamed on marine heatwaves and climate change.

The latest arrival, a young loggerhead, has been named Kseniia after a young girl who found the shivering reptile on Inch beach last week while walking with her family.

Kevin Flannery, Director of Dingle Oceanworld, who recently organised the release of an endangered green turtle in the Canaries after months of rehabilitation, said there is a need to set up a dedicated hospital here.