4 MIN READ

5-13-2024

Why Sea Turtles
Need Rescuing

By: Joshua Restauro, 4ocean Story Editor

     Last May, 2024, our 4ocean crew in Bali rescued an olive ridley sea turtle that was on the brink of suffocation. The turtle was found trapped inside a floating mattress with plastic debris stuck on its body. This isn’t the first time we had to save wildlife from the deadly grip of marine pollution.
     Alexa the turtle was almost killed by a net entangled around her head. She was lucky to be rescued that day but unfortunately, over 1 million turtles die each year due to plastic ingestion or entanglement.
      The rescue of Alexa is an eye-opener for us to do more to help save turtles from the threats of plastic pollution. To maximize our impact, we have partnered with one of the best sea turtle conservation centers in Florida. Loggerhead Marinelife Center offers programs enjoyed by visitors of all ages to educate the public on the importance of protecting sea turtles and the marine environment.
     Loggerhead Marinelife Center also runs a veterinary hospital dedicated to the rehabilitation and care of injured sea turtles. LMC provides diagnostic, medical treatment, and surgical services for the sea turtles they rescue.
     For our partnership with Loggerhead Marinelife Center, we are launching the Sea Turtle Rescue Braided Bracelet to support the ongoing treatment of two new sea turtle patients admitted at LMC.

A portion of sales will be donated to help fund the care of sea turtles like Arugula and Falafel, both of which are suffering from severe injuries.

From Loggerhead Marinelife Center’s patient database:

     “Falafel is a subadult loggerhead found floating near the Jenson Beach causeway. Falafel had a front flipper amputation and a large hook located in the mouth. Dr. Barron removed the hook under sedation. The humerus is exposed and will need to be removed. However, Falafel’s bloodwork needs to improve before proceeding with surgery. Current treatment is antibiotics, iron and wound care.”

     “Arugula is a juvenile green found in Gettler Park with FP tumors and entanglement. Treatment is antibiotics.”

     Donations and sponsorships allow LMC to fund the treatment and care of the 12 sick and injured sea turtles they currently house. We are hopeful that proceeds from our latest bracelet will greatly benefit not only Arugula and Falafel but all the sea turtle patients at LMC.
     Since 2022, LMC has treated over 120 threatened and endangered sea turtles. Based on records, one of the top causes of injury to sea turtles is plastic entanglement. This reality speaks to the growing importance and urgency of our fight for the clean ocean movement.
     Your support for our cleanup operations and bracelets made with recycled marine debris and ghost nets makes a huge impact on the protection of sea turtles and marine life. Our collective action and ocean optimism will make possible a bright future for generations to come.

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