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RERescue Update: Loggerhead Sea Turtle Covered in Epibiota
This morning, boaters spotted a sub-adult loggerhead sea turtle floating listlessly and alerted our team. Upon retrieval, we found her **completely covered in epibiota**—a dense layer of barnacles, shrimp, and other organisms clinging to her skin and carapace (shell).
While small amounts of epibiota are normal for sea turtles, **this extreme overgrowth signals a serious health issue**. When turtles are ill or injured, they become lethargic and spend too much time floating at the surface. Their slowed movement allows barnacle larvae and other opportunistic organisms to colonize their bodies. Over time, these hitchhikers multiply, feeding off the turtle and each other, further weakening their host.
The turtle is now at a specialized rehab facility, where she’ll receive critical care to regain strength and shed the harmful organisms. With proper treatment, we’re hopeful she’ll make a full recovery and return to her ocean home.
**Why this matters**: Epibiota overload is a visible reminder of how vulnerable sick sea turtles are. Rescues like this highlight the importance of community reporting and expert rehabilitation in giving these animals a second chance.
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#seaturtles #floridawildlife #seaturtleconservation
@rescueyard
