Captive Sea Turtles and Fibropapillomatosis

Fibropapillomatosis, a tumor disease affecting sea turtles, is linked to environmental degradation and creates significant welfare burdens in affected populations.

Key Facts

Fibropapillomatosis affects over 50% of green sea turtles in some Hawaiian and Florida populations
The disease causes external and internal tumors that can impair vision, feeding, and swimming
A herpesvirus is implicated but environmental stressors including coastal nitrogen pollution may trigger disease expression
Tumor removal surgery has a 70 to 80% success rate in rehabilitation facilities
Rehabilitated turtles released after tumor removal show good long-term survival if released to clean habitat

Welfare Considerations

Fibropapillomatosis causes gradual debilitation: external tumors interfere with vision and movement while internal tumors affect organ function. Affected turtles experience progressive welfare decline. The disease is linked to environmental degradation, making habitat quality improvement both a conservation and welfare intervention.

What You Can Do

Support sea turtle rehabilitation centers that treat fibropapillomatosis patients
Advocate for coastal water quality improvements including nitrogen runoff reduction near sea turtle habitat
Reduce household nitrogen fertilizer use that contributes to coastal eutrophication