Date: Oct 16, 2024
Location: Taylor County, Fl
Circumstances: Storm Wash-up
“Hamie” a juvenile green sea turtle, was found washing ashore suffering from vessel strike wounds after Hurricane Helene, and was initially rescued by Gulf Specimen Marine Lab.
This turtle was diagnosed with fibropapillomatosis “FP”, an infectious herpes type virus, and was transferred to Gulf World Marine Institute. “FP” has been found in all seven species of sea turtles, but is found most commonly in greens. Tumors may form but can sometimes be removed depending on the severity and location. He/she is receiving wound treatment, fluids, antibiotics and vitamins to increase appetite.
We want to thank Gulf Specimen Marine Lab for their help with Hamie’s rescue and transport to GWMI.
Date: September 20, 2024
Location: Bay County, Fl
Circumstances: Floating/Struggling
“Ram Bam”, a sub-adult Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle, was seen struggling at the surface of the water west of Russell-Fields City Pier in Panama City Beach. The turtle was tracked and rescued by Panama City Beach Turtle Watch and PCB lifeguards.
Ram Bam was entangled with fishing gear and also had a healed wound on the carapace. This turtle also has fibropapillomatosis “FP”, an infectious herpes type virus. “FP” has been found in all seven species of sea turtles, but is found most commonly in greens. Tumors may form but can sometimes be removed depending on the severity and location. He/she is currently receiving fluids, antibiotics and vitamins with a goal of increasing appetite. We’re hopeful for a full and quick recovery for Ram Bam as Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles are critically endangered.
We would like to thank the PCB Turtle Watch and PCB lifeguards for their assistance in rescuing Ram Bam.
Date: May 29, 2024
Location: Bay County, Fl
Circumstances: Floating/Struggling
“Sea Pork”, a sub-adult green sea turtle, was found struggling at the surface of the water south of the Panama City Marina.
This turtle had a heavy load of epibiota which are biological organisms like barnacles, sea squirts, crabs, worms, etc., and suffered from buoyancy control issues, and was listing at the surface. Sea Pork also had evidence of blunt force trauma on the carapace that had some bone exposure.
He/she also has fibropapillomatosis “FP”, an infectious herpes type virus. “FP” has been found in all seven species of sea turtles, but is found most commonly in greens. Tumors may form but can sometimes be removed depending on the severity and location.
Sea Pork’s beautiful carapace is starting to reveal itself! After epibiota removal, he/she is currently receiving fluids, antibiotics and vitamins and is undergoing wound treatment with honey and silver to encourage healing. Sea Pork has a healthy appetite and enjoys snacking on capelin and herring fish.
Date: June 8, 2024
Location: Cape San Blas
Circumstances: Trauma
“Tilapia” the subadult loggerhead sea turtle was brought to Gulf World Marine Institute on World Ocean’s Day, Saturday, June 8, 2024. The sea turtle was found to be washing ashore on Cape San Blas with severe damage to both front flippers. There was also evidence of recent shark attack injuries that had already begun to heal. Tilapia is receiving wound treatment and has a great appetite enjoying capelin and herring fish.
We would like to thank USGS for responding and assisting with the transport of Tilapia to Gulf World Marine Institute.
Date: June 8, 2024
Location: Cape San Blas
Circumstances: Trauma
“Turkenstein” a sub-adult green sea turtle, was found washed ashore on Shell Island in Panama City Beach. He/she had definitive vessel strike injuries to the head and carapace and was found to be lethargic.
In spite of the head and carapace injuries, Turkenstein is in good overall body condition. He/she is receiving fluids, antibiotics and vitamins to increase appetite. Turkenstein’s wound treatment with honey and silver encourages healing and prevents infection. Although he/she seems calm/lethargic while in water, there is quite a bit of fight and energy out of water during treatment, which is a good thing!
