Sea turtle rescue in Biscayne Bay led to a life-saving diagnosis

Volunteers clearing crab traps in Biscayne Bay in summer 2025 found a juvenile green sea turtle entangled in fishing gear; veterinarians later diagnosed and treated fibropapillomatosis, and the turtle was released in February 2026.

Volunteers removing crab traps and other abandoned gear in Biscayne Bay in the summer of 2025 found a struggling juvenile green sea turtle entangled in crabbing line. Florida Sea Grant obtained a permit to handle live sea turtles and helped remove visible line from the turtle's flipper. Veterinary staff later found additional embedded line and transferred the turtle, named Oscar, to the Zoo Miami Sea Turtle Hospital for treatment. Doctors diagnosed fibropapillomatosis; the turtle underwent multiple surgeries, spent months in rehabilitation, and was released in February 2026. Key facts: - A volunteer cleanup involving Biscayne National Park, Miami‑Dade County Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources, Coastal Cleanup Corporation, Fishing Spots Conservation, and the University of Florida located the entangled juvenile green sea turtle in summer 2025. - Florida Sea Grant secured the permit needed to handle the live turtle and removed visible fishing line from a front flipper. - Veterinarians discovered additional embedded fishing line; the turtle was taken to Zoo Miami Sea Turtle Hospital for specialist care. - The turtle was diagnosed with fibropapillomatosis, required five surgeries and about seven months of rehabilitation, and was released in February 2026. - Reports note that much ocean debris originates on land (single‑use plastics, poor waste management, river runoff), while abandoned and lost fishing gear is a major ocean‑based source of harm to turtles. - Programs such as the Nationwide TRAP Program and several conservation organizations work to remove marine debris and clear turtle habitats. Summary: The volunteer cleanup enabled rescue staff to find and treat a juvenile green sea turtle that was both entangled and ill, and the turtle was released after months of rehabilitation. Undetermined at this time.