Description
Date: August 16, 2025
Location: Bay County, Florida
Circumstances: Entanglement
“Stella” a sub-adult Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle was rescued on August 16th near access 12 in Panama City Beach in Bay County. He/She was entangled in fishing line that was wrapped around the neck and front flippers. It was reported that the line was tethering him/her in place. The turtle was able to come up for breaths, however the line was beginning to constrict the neck. A sea turtle biologist with FWC had to cut the fishing line tethering him/her to the bottom before bringing it to GWMI.
The fishing line included both braided and monofilament. Eschar (scab) tissue had already begun to form around the wounds, which thankfully weren’t too deep. This means the turtle had been carrying the gear for at least a few days. He/She was placed on antibiotics and supportive medical care to be safe. The turtle has great energy and has a good appetite. Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles are listed as critically endangered so Stella is super special and we’re looking forward to a speedy recovery!
We want to thank FWC for their assistance in Stella’s rescue.
