PONCE INLET, Fla. – A rare Kemp’s ridley sea turtle is recovering at the Marine Science Center after being accidentally hooked by a man fishing in Ponce Inlet eight days ago.
Local beach-goers brought the 10.5-pound juvenile turtle to the sea turtle hospital. The Kemp’s ridley is a critically endangered species and is considered the rarest sea turtle found in Florida.
Immediately after its arrival, the turtle was examined and provided fluids and pain medication. Turtle Rehabilitation Manager Melissa Ranly removed the fisherman’s hook and treated a gash on the turtle’s shoulder.
Later in the day, an X-ray revealed that this was not the turtle’s first encounter with a fishing hook. It became apparent that a previous fisherman had caught the turtle, but was only able to remove part of the hook. The remainder of the hook had lodged itself deep within the turtle’s esophagus. Staff veterinarian Dr. Craig Pelton performed an endoscopy on the turtle on Monday and removed the hook.
Marine Science Center Director Michael Brothers emphasized the lesson to be learned from this turtle’s situation: “This case shows how important it is to bring sea turtles caught by hook into the sea turtle hospital, rather than just cutting the line.”
Brothers added that fishing hooks will not work themselves out and will “ultimately become infected.” Despite the hook, the sea turtle is in stable condition and is recovering in a pool at the MSC’s intensive care unit.
Marine Science Center Director Michael Brothers emphasized the lesson to be learned from this turtle’s situation: “This case shows how important it is to bring sea turtles caught by hook into the sea turtle hospital, rather than just cutting the line.”
Brothers added that fishing hooks will not work themselves out and will “ultimately become infected.” Despite the hook, the sea turtle is in stable condition and is recovering in a pool at the MSC’s intensive care.
Marine Science Center SC patrons can view the turtle from the hospital’s observation deck.