Loggerhead sea turtle, endangered species, recovers at Porto Pim Aquarium on Faial Island
A loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) weighing about 5.2 kilograms, is recovering from several injuries at the Porto Pim Aquarium - Live Fish Station, after being rescued and delivered to Faial Nature Park.
Three and a half months after being rescued, the turtle has gained weight and the injuries in the eye, fin and neck are fully recovered, while the most serious injury, at the back of the carapace, is almost entirely covered by a layer of new tissue.
The recovery plan designed for this specimen included a diverse diet rich in protein, vitamins, omega-3 and calcium with the aim of stimulating the immune system to provide a good hydration. It involved the participation of Faial Natural Park, the Department of Oceanography and Fisheries of the University of the Azores and the company Flying Sharks.
The treatment has also been followed by an expert veterinary on marine reptiles, who is currently one of the consultants of the Marathon Sea Turtle Hospital in Florida, USA.
In the Azores, there are five of the seven of sea turtles in the world, the Loggerhead sea turtle being the most common species. A native of Florida beaches, this species travels across the northern Atlantic to the archipelago, where it stays during the juvenile phase.
After 10-15 years in the Azores sea, it returns to the western Atlantic, where he spends the rest of his life, which can last more than 50 years. However, many scientists believe that these turtles, which only breed from the age of 30, can live up to 100 years.
Sea turtles are reptiles classified as "Endangered Species", being protected under the Berne Convention since 1979.
Human beings are one of the main threats due to the use of coastal gillnets in which the turtles get tangled and die from drowning.
Lost machinery and equipment or abandoned fishing nets may also pose a serious threat as well as and other floating debris, especially plastics.
These animals have a jellyfish and Portuguese man-of-war based diet and cannot distinguish plastics, particularly plastic bags.