Marine Turtle Fibropapillomatosis Advanced

Fibropapillomatosis is a debilitating tumour disease affecting sea turtles worldwide, with strong links to degraded marine environments and immune system compromise.

Key Facts

Fibropapillomatosis (FP) causes large external and internal tumours that impair vision, feeding, and swimming
Green sea turtles are most commonly affected, with prevalence reaching 50%+ in some Hawaiian populations
A herpesvirus (LETV) is the infectious agent, but disease expression is linked to environmental stressors
Nitrogen pollution, algal blooms, and warm water temperatures are associated with higher FP prevalence
Rehabilitation centres treat turtles by surgically removing tumours, but recurrence is common
Turtles with severe FP cannot feed effectively and suffer from chronic debilitation
Reducing coastal pollution is considered essential for long-term population-level FP management

Welfare Considerations

Fibropapillomatosis causes severe and prolonged suffering in affected turtles, impairing their ability to feed, swim, and evade predators. The disease's link to environmental degradation means that protecting sea turtle welfare requires addressing the broader ecological health of their marine habitats.

What You Can Do

Support organisations working on sea turtle rehabilitation and FP research
Reduce personal nitrogen pollution through responsible lawn and garden management
Choose sustainably sourced seafood to reduce fishing pressure on turtle habitat
Advocate for improved coastal water quality regulations
Donate to or volunteer with sea turtle rehabilitation centres in affected regions