Family Calls Wildlife Alert Hotline to Have U.S. Coast Guard Save 300-Pound Green Sea Turtle

turtle was severely entangled in an abandoned anchor line

(FWC) – When a family saw a sea turtle struggling to survive, they called our Wildlife Alert Hotline for help.

It turns out the turtle’s left front flipper was severely entangled in an abandoned anchor line, cutting off the circulation.

The nearly-300 pound green sea turtle was rescued with partners from U.S. Coast Guard Station Marathon and staff from The Turtle Hospital a few months ago.

After the turtle recovered from surgery to remove his left front flipper and completed rehabilitation, our own officer, Bobby Dube, was on hand to help release the sea turtle back into the wild.

Can he swim with only three flippers? Yes! He quickly swam off to freedom.

Marine and coastal wildlife can become entangled or trapped in many items such as fishing lines, crab traps, balloons with an attached string, beach furniture, and other types of marine debris.

In addition, some of these items may be ingested, leading to further harm.

For example, storms may bring trash into the water, children or adults may release balloons into the atmosphere, and anglers may accidentally “hook” wildlife such as marine turtles and seabirds on their fishing line.

If you suspect a crime against Florida’s fish, wildlife, or natural resources or see an injured animal, call the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).

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