Marine & Aquatic

Marine Turtle Fibropapillomatosis and Rehabilitation

Fibropapillomatosis is a debilitating tumour disease affecting sea turtles globally, linked to environmental degradation.

Key Facts

Fibropapillomatosis (FP) affects over 50% of green turtles in some Hawaiian bays
Tumours grow on skin, eyes, flippers and internal organs, impairing function
Environmental factors including water quality and herpesvirus exposure drive FP
Rehabilitation centres perform surgical removal but recurrence rates are high
FP prevalence correlates with eutrophication and anthropogenic nutrient pollution

Welfare Considerations

Sea turtles with severe FP experience visual impairment, difficulty feeding and swimming, and secondary infections from large tumours. Internal organ tumours are often fatal. Addressing the environmental drivers of FP - particularly coastal water quality - is essential alongside individual animal care.

What You Can Do

Support organisations rehabilitating sea turtles with FP
Reduce coastal nutrient pollution through proper waste disposal
Advocate for stricter water quality standards in turtle habitat areas
Participate in citizen science monitoring of sea turtle health