Editor:
Kudos to the National Park Service for installing the two new signs for visitors at the Campground Beach!
The signs are large, attractive, readable and explain, with illustrations, the dangers of rip currents and beach safety. However, it would be an additional bonus if the Park Service added a number to call if a stranded or injured turtle, dolphin or whale is found on the beach.
When we first moved to the island two years ago, we found our first stranded dolphin. Through trial and error (and frustration) we finally found the right person to call–Vicky Thayer, the Marine Mammal Stranding Coordinator with the NC Division of Marine Fisheries, in Morehead City.
From this experience we also learned that it’s ultimately the role of the Park Service to, unfortunately, euthanize these gentle sea mammals. There are also separate, dedicated groups and individuals to contact if a stranded or injured turtle or sea bird is found.
My last suggestion would be to add a line or two about the safety and importance of keeping a clean beach–and the impacts of trash on the guts of marine animals who eat it!
Sue Dayton and David Mickey
Roxy’s Antiques On Ocracoke
