Hawksbill Turtle Found Stranded at Badouzi Recovers After 3 Months of Care, Successfully Released with Help from Citizen Scientists

The Editor says: This past May, the Coast Guard discovered a stranded Hawksbill Turtle drifting inside the Badouzi fishing harbor. In addition to being entangled in fishing line, the turtle had a fishhook lodged in its throat and minor ulcerations in its esophagus. After three months of treatment, it gradually regained its vitality and was successfully released at Keelung's Chaojing conservation area. As a Class I critically endangered protected species, this turtle has finally been able to return to the sea — watch the footage from the release event right now!

What Happened to the Hawksbill Turtle

The sea turtle released this time was a Hawksbill Turtle. On May 6, 2023 (Year 112 of the Republic of China), the Coast Guard Administration's Second District reported the discovery of a drifting sea turtle (ID: TKL20230506) inside the Badouzi fishing harbor. The Keelung City Government (Animal Protection and Epidemic Prevention Office) immediately commissioned the Chinese Cetacean Society to dispatch a rescue team to the scene at 14:00 that same day. Upon inspection, the individual was found to be entangled in fishing line, suggesting it had been caught by fishing gear. As the individual did not meet the criteria for on-site release, it was agreed that the Chinese Cetacean Society would 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, a veterinarian conducted routine blood tests and X-ray examinations. The X-ray revealed a fishhook in the throat region, which was subsequently located and removed using an endoscope. The endoscope also revealed minor ulcerations in the esophagus, likely caused by the swallowed hook. During follow-up care, food portions were gradually increased, and large quantities of algae were also procured to provide the animal with a diverse diet. After 2 months of medical treatment and attentive care from the animal keepers, the turtle recovered its vitality and appetite and was assessed as ready for release. The Keelung City Government and the Ocean Conservation Administration, Ocean Affairs Council jointly carried out the release operation at the Chaojing Conservation Area at 15:00 on August 9 (the 9th of this month).

The Release Operation

For this occasion, the Keelung City Government was represented by Deputy Mayor Chiu Pei-lin and Economic Development Department Director Lin Ding-chao, who personally joined approximately 30 Chaojing Marine Citizen Scientists in participating in the sea turtle release, demonstrating the city's commitment to marine conservation. Deputy Mayor Chiu stated that sea turtle strandings often involve entanglement in fishing gear, and extended special thanks to the Ocean Conservation Administration's rescue network, the Taoyuan City Government, the Chinese Cetacean Society, the veterinarians, and the animal keepers for their collective dedication to the sea turtle rescue effort, which greatly improved the turtle's chances of survival.

Going forward, the Keelung City Government will not only continue to improve its facilities so that the Badouzi Hai Zhi Sheng center can provide the best possible support for cetacean and sea turtle rescue, but will also invite Keelung's youth volunteers to join whenever volunteer gaps arise, so that everyone can contribute to the ocean together.

The Animal Protection and Epidemic Prevention Office further noted that there are 7 species of sea turtles in the world, 5 of which can be 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 the destruction of nesting habitats, sea turtle populations have declined sharply. All five species have been listed as Class I protected wildlife (critically endangered) on the "Protected Wildlife List" announced by the Ocean Affairs Council. From January to July of this year, the Animal Protection and Epidemic Prevention Office has handled a total of 8 sea turtle stranding 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 this time is a Class I critically endangered protected species. To strengthen sea turtle conservation, the Keelung City Government has established partnerships with various agencies, forming a sound framework for sea turtle rescue, housing, medical care, and release. This rescue represents a successful domestic case study.

With a body length of 60.4 cm, this is a sub-adult Hawksbill Turtle that has not yet reached maturity (adult Hawksbill Turtles reach 95 cm in length). Its release at the Chaojing Conservation Area in Keelung City carries special significance. Keelung City is an important ocean city in northern Taiwan and has long been committed to the conservation of marine animals. As early as 1996 (Republic of China Year 85), the Keelung City Government designated Huapingyu (Vase Islet) and Mianhuayu (Cotton Islet) as wildlife conservation zones — a status they maintain to this day. The conservation outcomes have provided sea turtles with abundant fish and food sources, resulting in a diverse population of sea turtles in Keelung's waters. When a stranded or injured sea turtle is found, remember: move it to a shaded area, sprinkle water to keep it moist, and secure its front flippers to prevent flapping. Additionally, when fishermen accidentally catch a sea turtle, it is usually unconscious — not dead. Do not throw it back into the sea directly.

The Animal Protection and Epidemic Prevention Office reminds the public that if a stranded sea turtle is found, you can immediately report it by calling the Keelung City Government's 1999 hotline, the Coast Guard Administration's 118 hotline, or the Animal Protection line at 24280677. Together, we can protect marine life and preserve biodiversity.

Further Reading:

• Stranded Hawksbill Turtle from Badouzi Recovers; Successfully Released at Chaojing Conservation Area Today (the 9th)
• Marine Citizen Scientists Use Underwater Photography to Support Marine Conservation and Fundamental Research
• Keelung City Government Joins Forces with Marine Citizen Scientists to Give the Ocean a Voice Through Visual Documentation
• A Survey of Marine Protected Areas: Chaojing Outperforms Shen'ao! Uncovering the Differences in Management Measures and Intensity