Recent reports have indicated significant decreases in cases of fibropapillomatosis—a sometimes fatal disease that was once widespread among green sea turtles. Still, conservationists caution that challenges remain for the imperiled species. Kathy Townsend, wildlife conservationist extraordinaire, posted the best news I never expected to hear. Our emergency call-outs for tortoise rescues have dropped this year from 260 last year to only 117 this year. This amazing cut in turtle deaths comes just as scientists are calling attention to a link between turtle health and their food supply.
Necrotizing lesions and hits to populations in abundance and diversity have had conservationists ringing alarm bells. This issue primarily affects green sea turtles. It’s a result of environmental damage that destroys their habitat and food sources. The extraordinary flood events in recent years have taken a serious toll on the seagrass habitats that are the main source of food for these turtles. As seagrass disappears, turtles turn to lower quality foods like mangrove leaves. This sudden change in diet may have serious and sometimes fatal health consequences for them.
The Impact of Environmental Changes
The Great Sandy Marine Park protects 2,500 square kilometers of highly important seagrass habitat. Flooding and other environmental stressors have damaged its ecosystems. Ali Hammond, who runs the Turtles in Trouble Rescue operation, said they’ve seen a 99 percent decrease in strand turtle call-outs over the past week.
“Lucky we did, because the numbers just started shooting through the roof,” – Ali Hammond
He noted that most of the turtles rescued after past floods were very malnourished. This damage prevents their skin from acting as a barrier, which leaves them vulnerable to infections and other health problems. Researchers like Jacob Bowtell from the University of the Sunshine Coast are studying the disease’s effects on turtles to understand its implications better.
Bowtell pictured the costly impact the sickness has on influenced turtles.
“The carapace, which is the top of the turtle, was essentially rotting away and exposing bone,” – Jacob Bowtell
He went on to describe some of the health issues that have emerged from our changed diet—largely a result of environmental shifts.
“They were getting lesions on their flippers and their gastrointestinal tract was horrendous, full of infection.” – Jacob Bowtell
Signs of Improvement and Continued Vigilance
In spite of these shocking changes, there are reasons for hope due to the recovery of seagrass beds. Here’s what they’ve found – an optimistic breakthrough! As seagrass coverage increased back up to about 80% of normal, the numbers of turtle strandings and cases of disease decreased by an order of magnitude.
The damaging effects of climate change and more floods in the future may put all that progress at risk.
“Since the seagrass has returned to roughly 80 percent coverage, we’re seeing less turtle strandings and needing care,” – Jacob Bowtell
He said this fundamental research is needed to determine the role of different contaminants on turtle population, individual health.
“My fear is if we have another major flood event, will this occur again?” – Jacob Bowtell
Researchers are still keeping a close eye on the developments, as they see significant positive changes, with gaps that could linger for years to come. Kathy Townsend explained how these flood events have caused a dramatic shift in turtle behavior and health.
Future Challenges for Green Sea Turtles
As specialists work to determine the future of green sea turtles, they emphasize the need for thriving seagrass habitats. Maintaining the delicate equilibrium among turtle populations and their natural dietary offerings is essential to preventing the annihilation of these creatures.
“I think this is something that happens normally in a flood event because our bays are used to flood events,” – Kathy Townsend
As experts assess the current state of green sea turtles, they stress the importance of maintaining healthy seagrass ecosystems. The balance between turtle populations and their food sources is critical to ensuring their survival.
