Earlier this month, Coastal Connections, Inc. (CCI) took in a young green sea turtle that had a peculiar appearance. Normally, these turtles have smooth, shiny shells, but this one was covered in what seemed like fur.
This turtle, later named Bob Moss, was found floating in the Indian River Lagoon by a kind passerby. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission quickly came to his rescue and brought him to CCI. When he arrived, the rescuers noticed that his body was almost entirely covered with a mass of red algae.
The algae’s presence was a sign that Bob had been struggling for quite some time. CCI explained that when turtles are sick or injured, they can’t swim well. This allows algae and barnacles to attach to them. The more time they spend struggling, the worse the algae build-up becomes.
Initially, rescuers thought Bob was suffering from a “cold stun,” a common issue when water temperatures drop. Just like iguanas, sea turtles can become immobilized in cold water. However, when Bob Moss was examined further at the healing center, the team discovered he’d also been injured by a boat.
Boat strikes are a significant threat to sea turtles. According to the Sea Turtle Conservancy, an estimated 3,000 sea turtles die every year due to these accidents. Sadly, despite the care of the dedicated team at CCI, Bob Moss succumbed to his injuries.
His story has sparked conversations on social media, drawing attention to the plight of sea turtles everywhere. Many users shared their heartbreak over his fate while also emphasizing the need for safer boating practices. In his memory, the CCI urges boaters to slow down in turtle zones and remain vigilant for turtles on the water’s surface.
While Bob Moss didn’t survive, his story sheds light on a growing crisis facing these marine creatures. Recently, CCI noted that over half of the sea turtles they rescue have been victims of boat strikes. This rising trend illustrates the urgent need for public awareness and action.
Ultimately, rescue groups like CCI continue to provide invaluable care for countless sea turtles. By spreading awareness about issues like those affecting Bob Moss, they hope to give future turtles the second chance at life that he never received.
For more information on this issue, you can explore resources from the Sea Turtle Conservancy.
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