The Editor says: This past May, the Coast Guard discovered a drifting Hawksbill Turtle inside Badouzi fishing harbor. In addition to being entangled in fishing line, the turtle had a fish hook lodged in its throat and minor ulceration in its esophagus. After three months of treatment, it gradually regained its vitality and was successfully released at Keelung's Chaojing conservation area. A Category I critically endangered protected species, it has finally returned to the sea — watch the release footage right now!
What Happened to the Hawksbill Turtle
The sea turtle released this time is a Hawksbill Turtle. On May 6, 2023 (ROC Year 112), the Coast Guard's Second Patrol District reported a drifting sea turtle (ID: TKL20230506) found inside Badouzi fishing harbor. The Keelung City Government (Animal Protection and Epidemic Prevention Office) immediately commissioned the Chinese Cetacean Society to respond to the scene at 14
that same day for a rescue operation. Upon examination, the individual was found entangled in fishing line, leading to the assessment that it had been caught by fishing gear. As the individual did not meet the criteria for on-site release, the Chinese Cetacean Society was authorized to transfer it to the sea turtle rescue station jointly established by the Taoyuan City Government Coastal Management Engineering Division and Xpark for triage, housing, and rehabilitation. With the station's approval, veterinarians conducted routine blood tests and X-rays, during which a fish hook was identified in the throat area. The hook was subsequently located using an endoscope and removed. The endoscopic examination revealed minor ulceration in the esophagus, likely caused by the swallowed hook. During the subsequent care period, food portions were increased gradually. A large quantity of algae was also procured to ensure a diverse diet for the animal. After 2 months of medical treatment and attentive care from keepers, the turtle recovered its normal vitality and appetite. Having been assessed as suitable for release, the Keelung City Government and the Ocean Affairs Council Marine Conservation Administration jointly conducted the release operation at the Chaojing Conservation Area at 15 on August 9.
Thanks to the concerted efforts of all involved parties, the drifting sea turtle was released at the Chaojing Conservation Area on August 9, 2023 (112/8/9). Image credit: 海人視界
The Release Operation
This release was attended by Keelung City Vice Mayor Chiu Pei-lin, Department of Economic Development Director Lin Ding-chao, and approximately 30 Chaojing Marine Citizen Scientists, reflecting the city's commitment to marine conservation. Vice Mayor Chiu noted that sea turtle strandings are commonly associated with capture by fishing gear, and extended special thanks to the Ocean Affairs Council's Marine Conservation Rescue Network, Taoyuan City Government, the Chinese Cetacean Society, veterinarians, and animal keepers for their collective contributions to the rescue operation, which greatly improved the turtle's chances of survival.
After completing their training course, citizen scientists helped carry the sea turtle and actively participated in the release operation.
Going forward, the Keelung City Government will continue to upgrade its facilities so that the Badouzi Hai Zhi Sheng station can provide the best possible support for cetacean and sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation. Should there be a need for volunteers in the future, the city government will also invite young volunteers from Keelung to join in and contribute to ocean stewardship together.
Keelung Chaojing citizen scientists played their part in this release operation.
The Animal Protection and Epidemic Prevention Office further noted that there are 7 species of sea turtles worldwide, 5 of which are found in the waters surrounding Taiwan: the Green Sea Turtle, Loggerhead Turtle, Olive Ridley Turtle, Leatherback Turtle, and Hawksbill Turtle. Due to fishing activities, environmental pollution, and destruction of nesting habitat, sea turtle populations have declined sharply. All five species are listed as Category I protected wildlife (critically endangered) in the "List of Protected Wildlife" announced by the Ocean Affairs Council. From January to July of this year, the Animal Protection and Epidemic Prevention Office handled a total of 8 sea turtle rescue cases, including 1 Loggerhead Turtle, 1 Olive Ridley Turtle, 4 Green Sea Turtles, and 2 Hawksbill Turtles.
Sea Turtle Conservation
The Hawksbill Turtle released in this operation is a Category I critically endangered protected wildlife species. To strengthen sea turtle conservation efforts, the Keelung City Government has established collaborative partnerships with multiple agencies, creating a well-functioning model for sea turtle rescue, housing, medical care, and release. This rescue represents a successful domestic case.
Thanks to the efforts of all parties involved, the Hawksbill Turtle was successfully returned to the sea.
The turtle measures 60.4 cm in body length, identifying it as a sub-adult Hawksbill Turtle that has not yet reached maturity (adult Hawksbill Turtles reach a body length of 95 cm). Its release at the Keelung Chaojing Conservation Area carries special significance. Keelung is an important coastal city in northern Taiwan and has long been dedicated to marine animal conservation. As early as 1996 (ROC Year 85), the Keelung City Government designated Huaping Islet and Mianhua Islet as wildlife conservation areas — a designation that continues to this day. The conservation achievements there have provided sea turtles with an abundant food supply of fish, resulting in diverse sea turtle activity in Keelung's waters. If you come across an injured sea turtle, remember: move it to a shaded area, keep it moist by sprinkling water on it, and secure its front flippers to prevent it from thrashing. In addition, fishers who accidentally catch sea turtles should be aware that the animal is typically unconscious, not dead — do not throw it back into the sea directly.
The Animal Protection and Epidemic Prevention Office reminds members of the public that if they discover a stranded sea turtle, they can immediately call the Keelung City Government's 1999 hotline, the Coast Guard's 118 hotline, or the Animal Protection line at 24280677 to report the sighting. Together, we can protect marine life and safeguard biodiversity.
Further reading:
- Badouzi Stranded Hawksbill Turtle Recovers, Successfully Released at Chaojing Conservation Area Today (Aug. 9)
- Marine Citizen Scientists Use Underwater Photography to Support Marine Conservation and Basic Research
- Keelung City Government Partners with Marine Citizen Scientists to Speak Up for the Ocean Through Imagery
- Marine Protected Area Survey: Chaojing Outperforms Shen'ao! Uncovering the Differences in Management Measures and Intensity
