Marine

Wild Sea Turtle Fibropapillomatosis Welfare

Fibropapillomatosis - tumour growth on sea turtles - is linked to water quality and immune stress. Rehabilitation welfare for affected turtles is complex and resource-intensive.

Key Facts

Fibropapillomatosis causes debilitating external and internal tumours in green sea turtles
Prevalence is higher in degraded coastal habitats with elevated nitrogen pollution
Surgical removal of tumours can be effective when done early in disease progression
Many Florida and Hawaii sea turtles present with fibropapillomatosis for rehabilitation

Welfare Considerations

Fibropapillomatosis welfare requires rehabilitation facilities with surgical capability and long-term housing for recovery. Preventing the condition through water quality improvement addresses root causes. Release decisions must balance individual welfare with conservation goals.

What You Can Do

Support sea turtle rehabilitation centres in Florida and Hawaii
Advocate for coastal water quality improvement to reduce fibropapillomatosis drivers
Reduce fertiliser use near coastal waterways to decrease nitrogen loading