More than one third of rescued turtles found entangled in plastics or nets

Releasing Nuria back to the sea

Releasing Nuria back to the sea Credit: COFIB Twitter

STAFF from the Balearic Islands Wildlife Recovery Consortium (COFIB) have released a Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) on the beach of Ses Covetes, in the National Park of Es Trenc-Salobrar de Campos.
The turtle which was christened Nuria, was found by sailors in Cala Figuera (Santanyí) on November 14 and had the right fin meshed with plastics, which was totally rotten with bones exposed.
Immediately, the emergency protocol was activated and the specimen was transferred to the Palma Aquarium facilities where the mesh was removed and antibiotic treatment was applied. However, three days later, his fin had to be amputated at the Aragón Veterinary Hospital.
The COFIB has warned that the effects of plastics and the remains of nets on marine species are currently the biggest problem facing marine wildlife recovery centres.
During 2020, 84 cases of adult sea turtle stranding have been reported and of these, 31 cases had been caused by plastics and nets.
In the event that a sea turtle is found, it is necessary to call 112 immediately and it is important not to try to untangle the specimen, as it may cause further damage.
Thank you for taking the time to read this news article “More than one third of rescued turtles found entangled in plastics or nets”.

Written by

John Smith

Married to Ophelia in Gibraltar in 1978, John has spent much of his life travelling on security print and minting business and visited every continent except Antarctica. Having retired several years ago, the couple moved to their house in Estepona and John became a regular news writer for the EWN Media Group taking particular interest in Finance, Gibraltar and Costa del Sol Social Scene. Currently he is acting as Editorial Consultant for the paper helping to shape its future development. Share your story with us by emailing newsdesk@euroweeklynews.com, by calling +34 951 38 61 61 or by messaging our Facebook page www.facebook.com/EuroWeeklyNews

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