Coast Guard Cutter Block Island releases turtlesMIAMI — More than 570 baby sea turtles are scheduled to be released back into the Atlantic Ocean Monday in a joint effort between the Coast Guard and the Gumbo-Limbo Nature Center.

In support of the Coast Guard's commitment to protecting endangered species and the marine environment, crewmembers from Coast Guard Station Fort Lauderdale, Florida, will transport marine scientists and volunteers from the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center offshore to assist in the release of the hatchlings.

The sea turtles hatchlings come from turtle nests located along beaches throughout Florida, which are the primary nesting grounds for Loggerhead sea turtles. In addition to the more than 570 baby sea turtles being released, four turtles between the ages of 6-months and 1-year will be released back into the wild following rehabilitation at the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center.

In all, an expected 581 sea turtles will be released:

-568 Loggerhead sea turtle hatchlings
-Nine Green sea turtle hatchlings
-Three rehabilitated Loggerhead post-hatchling sea turtles