Off the coast of Tasmania, a group of fishermen recently stumbled upon an unusual discovery – a large loggerhead sea turtle in dire need of assistance.
The turtle appeared very lethargic and unable to submerge itself in water due to the presence of barnacles on its body.
Barnacles are crustaceans that can make turtles sick if not removed quickly and their presence indicated that the turtle had been ill for some time and required urgent medical attention.
The fishermen promptly alerted marine conservation authorities who immediately came to the turtle’s rescue. The turtle was taken to a fish market for temporary accommodation and examined by veterinarians the following day.
X-rays revealed that the turtle had not ingested any plastic or fishing gear, but the rescuers still painstakingly removed the barnacles one by one and administered bolster fluids to aid in its recovery.
Loggerhead sea turtles are a rare sight in Tasmanian waters, making this discovery particularly noteworthy and drawing the attention of scientists and local media.
Sea turtles are under constant threat from numerous factors such as pollution, overfishing, habitat destruction, and ship strikes.
Turtles often mistake plastic bags for jellyfish, which can result in severe health complications and even death.
Having received the necessary medical attention, the turtle is now resting and the marine conservation authorities will determine the next course of action for its rehabilitation.
The rehabilitation of sea turtles is a challenging and resource-intensive task that requires significant time and effort.
It is heartening to see that the fishermen reported the sick turtle, which ultimately led to its rescue and treatment. We can all play a part in protecting and conserving these magnificent creatures by being mindful of our actions and reducing our impact on the environment.
Source: https://lifeanimal.net/distressed-turtle-covered-in-oysters-spotted-by-fisherman-screaming-for-help-tt/
