Channel: Sea Turtle Biologist

Category: Pets & Animals

Tags: sea turtlemarine animalssufferingreptilesocean pollutiontortugaplastic pollutionpollutiontortueseatiereplastic strawschildkroetesport fishinganimalsrescuemarine lifemarentanglementfishing linecute animalsextractionanimalesoceanmeerghost netspescariahelp animalsdrinking straw

Description: This video shows the detrimental effects of so-called ghost fishing gear on marine animals. Video Credit and Copyright: Christine Figgener -------------------- The olive ridley female seen in this video was found while nesting and had ingested a fishing line (possibly with a hook). The line was still sticking out of her mouth. Unfortunately, we were not able to see and remove the hook, so we only cut off the protruding piece of fishing line, as recommended by sea turtle experts. Interactions with discarded fishing gear (aka ghost fishing gear) are very frequently observed in sea turtles. You can see two other rescues here on this channel: 👉youtube.com/watch?v=1OeC_u37Xbs&t=52s 👉youtube.com/watch?v=lVPSTkYihCY Given our knowledge of the scarcity of sea turtle rehab facilities and lack of expert care for injured sea turtles in Costa Rica, the decision we are usually facing is either leaving the animal as is or trying to help as much as we can by removing obstructing objects. As biologists, we don't actively seek out injured wildlife, but our research happens to position us at the front-lines of reality looking at the detrimental effects of human impact on wildlife. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ If you like what I am doing, Help Me Continue My Work of Saving Sea Turtles! I cannot do it without your help. It only takes 500 of you, who can spare a fancy coffee per month, to make a real change. Download the new MilkyWire app and join me in saving sea turtles. Thank you, you are amazing! MilkyWire on AppStore 👉apps.apple.com/us/app/milkywire-crowdfund-charity/id1454800179 MilkyWire on GooglePlay 👉play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.milkywire.voyager ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ If you are interested in following my adventures in the world of sea turtles and ocean conservation in general, make sure to Subscribe to my YouTube Channel 👉 bit.ly/2W1r05b Follow me on Social Media: IG bit.ly/2Ky4DR5 - @cfiggener Twitter bit.ly/2lJpu64 - @ChrisFiggener Facebook bit.ly/2MBeFyp - @cfiggener seaturtlebiologist.com Contact Email: christine.figgener@tamu.edu Christine Figgener, PhD ---------------------------------------------------- GHOST FISHING GEAR "Ghost gear are fishing nets and lines that have been left or lost in the ocean by fishermen. These nets, often nearly invisible in the dim light, can be left tangled on a rocky reef or drifting in the open sea. They can entangle fish, dolphins, sea turtles, sharks, dugongs, crocodiles, seabirds, crabs, and other creatures, including the occasional human diver. Acting as designed, the nets restrict movement, causing starvation, laceration and infection, and suffocation in those that need to return to the surface to breathe. " en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_net If you would like to learn more about Ghost Nets. oliveridleyproject.org ghostfishing.org ------------------------------------------------------------ All animals are handled according to established protocols and activities are conducted as permitted research approved by the US IACUC and issued by the Costa Rican government, (MINAE/SINAC and CONAGEBio).