Species: Loggerhead (Caretta caretta) Age Class: Subadult Gender: Unknown Date Stranded: Oct. 7, 2010 Location of Stranding: Venice Fishing Peir Date of Arrival: Oct. 7, 2010 Number of Days of Care: Final Disposition: Released April 8, 2011
Comments/Disposition:
The hooks in the image above were embedded externally in Myrtle and removed upon her arrival at Mote.
10/7
Myrtle was snagged by a fisherman who brought the turtle ashore so Mote
volunteers and staff could secure the animal and transport it to the
Sea Turtle Hospital at Mote. Upon arrival, Myrtle was evaluated and
several fishing hooks embedded in the turtle's skin were removed. The
hooks removed included a large shark hook in the left front shoulder.
X-rays show that there are also a few fishing hooks internally. The hope
is that the internal fishing hooks will rust out or pass through
Myrtle's digestive system. The turtle has started eating and will be
watched very closely. 10/21
Myrtle has become ravenous and loves capelin. The turtle is receiving
daily antibiotics. 11/19 Myrtle had surgery today to
remove the internal hooks. The turtle woke quickly and started eating
right away. The stiches
are due to come out next week. Myrtle will possibly have to have another
surgery later next month remove other hooks. 11/28
Myrtle continues to eat and get stronger daily. 12/11
Myrtle's neck continues to heal from surgery and the turtle will remain
on antibiotics until the surgical site is completely healed. 1/3 Myrtle has completed the round of anitbiotics and continues to heal from surgery. 1/30
Myrtle had a successful second surgery to remove the two internal
hooks! Both hooks were removed and the turtle was eating within a couple
of hours. 3/28 Myrtle has completely healed from surgery and has been cleared for release! She's to be released on April 8 from Lido Key. 4/8 Myrtle has been released! Click here for details.
Myrtle heads toward the Gulf from Lido Beach on April 8, 2011.
Sometimes
human activities can have a detrimental affect on the marine animals
that fascinate us so much. A few things you can do to help wild turtles
include:
stowing your trash (especially cigarette butts and plastic) and disposing of it in a closed container on shore
making sure your fishing line is in good condition to help reduce breakage
using corrodible hooks — that way, if you accidentally hook a sea turtle, the hook will rust away.
