Grant: 25-012C
Project Title: Gulf Specimen Marine Lab OnSite Radiography
Project Manager: Hunter Eichler
Organization: Gulf Specimen Marine Lab (Non-Profit Organization)
Grant Amount: $34,000.00
Completion Date: 2026-02-28
Summary: The primary goal of this grant is to acquire a portable MinXray unit that will significantly enhance the Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratory's, or GSML, sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation efforts. Since 1964, GSML has been committed to the conservation of sea turtles along the Florida Panhandle, focusing on the care of species such as Kemp's ridleys, Loggerheads, and Green sea turtles. Currently, our sea turtles must be transported 30 minutes away to a veterinary office for radiographs, which can cause unnecessary stress and delays in treatment. The acquisition of a portable X-ray unit will allow us to perform diagnostic imaging on-site, reducing both the stress of transport and the overall rehabilitation time. This new equipment will ensure timely diagnosis and treatment, ultimately improving patient outcomes for the critically endangered turtles in our care. The unit will also be branded with the Gulf Specimen Marine Lab's name and recognition for the grant's contribution to the equipment.
Results: The radiography equipment has been successfully installed, inspected, and approved by the state, and our staff has been fully trained in its operation. Since becoming operational, it has proven to be an instrumental tool in supporting our mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and release sea turtles. This year, during a major cold-stun event involving over 600 sea turtles, the equipment played a critical role in our response. We utilized it on more than 20 patients, allowing us to quickly triage individuals, determine which required extended rehabilitation, and identify those ready for swim testing and release as water temperatures improved. In addition, we have experienced a banner year for rehabilitation, admitting over 15 patients since the machine became operational. These turtles have received biweekly X-rays, enabling us to closely monitor their conditions. This has significantly improved treatment efficiency and outcomes by providing a more comprehensive and timely understanding of patient health. The equipment has also benefited our resident sea turtle, allowing us to conduct on-site imaging without the need for transport to a local veterinary hospital. Previously, transport caused temporary stress and loss of appetite, but with in-house radiography, we can assess her condition without any disruption to her normal behavior.