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Turtle Rescue Reveals Hidden Disease
16 Apr
Summary
- A turtle entangled in fishing gear was rescued by volunteers.
- The rescue led to the discovery of fibropapillomatosis in the turtle.
- After seven months of treatment, the turtle was released in good health.
In the summer of 2025, volunteers conducting a cleanup of abandoned fishing gear in Biscayne Bay discovered a juvenile green sea turtle ensnared in crab traps. The turtle, later named Oscar, was entangled in fishing line, prompting immediate intervention by marine biologists. Further examination revealed Oscar was suffering from fibropapillomatosis, a disease causing significant tumor growth.
Oscar required extensive medical care, including five surgeries over seven months at the Zoo Miami Sea Turtle Hospital to remove the tumors and embedded fishing line. This critical treatment, initiated because of the entanglement, ultimately saved Oscar's life. By February 2026, Oscar had recovered and was released back into Biscayne Bay, now free from the disease and the fishing gear.
The incident highlights the pervasive threat of marine debris, particularly abandoned fishing gear, to marine life. While conservation programs work to clear these hazards, land-based sources like single-use plastics and poor waste management also contribute significantly to ocean pollution. Ongoing efforts aim to protect habitats and endangered species from these persistent dangers.
