Sea turtles face numerous challenges in their fight for survival. Pollution, the ingestion of plastics, getting entangled in ghost nets and plastics, as well as injuries caused by hooks and boats are just a few of the dangers threatening them.
If you ever come across a sea turtle in difficulty, knowing what to do can prove crucial for its survival. The Palma Aquarium Foundation’s OCEMIB Project offers essential information on the steps you can take to help these animals and contribute to their conservation.
The first and most important action to take when you come across a sea turtle in difficulty is to call 112, Spain’s emergency number. The operators will provide you with specific instructions and connect you with professionals from Palma Aquarium Foundation’s marine wildlife rescue network. Do not attempt to deal with the situation on your own, as well-intentioned actions can often cause further harm to the animal. Trained professionals have the experience and equipment necessary to help the sea turtle safely and effectively.
If you are on a boat and come across an injured sea turtle, and provided it can be done safely, get the turtle on board. It is very easy to lose sight of a turtle in the sea, and it is extremely hard to find it again.
Remember that these are wild animals, and your safety comes first. Although they are not agile on land, turtles have strong beaks for feeding, so avoid placing your hand in front of their mouths.
Once on board, ensure the turtle is in a safe, quiet place, as it has been removed from its natural habitat and it is important not to cause it any additional stress.
The next step is to protect the animal. Place it in the shade and cover it with a wet towel, making sure that the head and tail are left uncovered. This will help to keep it cool and hydrated while you wait for the rescue professionals to arrive.
The rescue protocol also includes a series of actions that must be avoided if you come across a sea turtle in difficulty:
If the sea turtle is entangled in plastics or nets, do not attempt to untangle it, as this may be even more harmful and may even lead to its death. Leave this task to the professionals, who know how to do it without harming the sea turtle.
If the turtle has a hook embedded, do not try to remove it or tug on the fishing line. Doing so could make its injuries worse, cause more pain, and even lead to death.
On no account should you turn the turtle over, as this can cause it significant stress and potential harm. The turtle’s lungs are located on the dorsal side of its shell, and turning it over causes all its organs to press down on the lungs, which can lead to suffocation. Leave the turtle in the position you found it in.
Once you have called 112 and completed the steps listed above, professionals from the stranding network will take over. They will be equipped to transport the sea turtle to the Palma Aquarium Foundation’s rehabilitation centre, where it will receive the necessary treatment. At the rehabilitation centre, turtles are assessed by specialised vets and receive appropriate care until they are fully recovered and ready to be released back into the sea.
Following this protocol not only increases the turtle's chances of survival but also helps the Palma Aquarium Foundation's stranding team do their job more effectively. Each step is designed to minimise stress and harm to the turtle, whilst ensuring it receives appropriate medical attention as quickly as possible.
Finding a sea turtle in distress can be an emotional and challenging experience, but knowing what to do is essential for its survival. This is why the Palma Aquarium Foundation’s OCEMIB Project urges you to follow these steps and leave the rescue process to the professionals. That way, you can make a significant difference to a sea turtle’s life.
Remember, your swift and appropriate response can help ensure that these magnificent animals continue to enrich our oceans for future generations.
This action is part of the OCEMIB Project, which is backed by the Biodiversity Foundation of the Spanish Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO by its Spanish initials) through the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan (PRTR by its Spanish initials and financed with #NextGenerationEU funds. This service is managed by the Balearic Islands Wildlife Recovery Consortium (COFIB by its Spanish initials), which is part of the fauna protection service run by the Regional Ministry of Agriculture, Fishing and the Environment.
