Marine Wildlife

Wild Sea Turtle Fibropapillomatosis Management

Fibropapillomatosis is a viral disease causing tumor growth on sea turtles, with environmental stressors and water quality issues linked to its spread.

Key Facts

FP is the most common disease affecting green sea turtles globally
Tumors grow on eyes, skin, and internal organs causing debilitation
High nitrogen coastal waters from agricultural runoff are associated with FP outbreaks
Some turtles recover after tumor removal in rehabilitation centers

Welfare Considerations

Fibropapillomatosis causes progressive debilitation as tumors grow on and in the eyes, mouth, and flippers. Blinded turtles cannot forage effectively and become emaciated. Tumors on flippers impair swimming and increase predation risk. The disease is linked to coastal water quality degradation from nutrient runoff, making environmental management a welfare intervention as well as a conservation tool.

What You Can Do

Support coastal water quality improvement programs
Reduce agricultural runoff by supporting sustainable farming practices
Donate to sea turtle rehabilitation programs treating FP cases
Advocate for coastal development setbacks that protect water quality