Biologists release endangered turtles into Gulf

By RAMIT PLUSHNICK-MASTI Associated Press Writer

PADRE ISLAND NATIONAL SEASHORE, Texas (AP) - Federal biologists in Texas have released hundreds of endangered baby sea turtles into the Gulf of Mexico despite the oil fouling the waters 400 miles away.

The Kemp's ridley turtle hatchlings were released Monday. They're between 1 and 4 days old. About 165 turtles were released in front of the public. About 1,000 have been freed throughout the night.

Thousands of hatchlings have been released since the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Park Service decided in June to proceed because Texas hasn't been hard hit by the BP oil spill.

The decision has stirred controversy among some scientists, environmentalists and turtle lovers. Some support the move, while others say the release should have been delayed until the oil is cleaned.