Panel speaks on causes behind sea turtle injuries
Human-driven threats — including boat strikes, fishing gear entanglement, plastic pollution and coastal light pollution — remain the leading causes of injuries for sea turtles, experts said at a public panel on April 3 at the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) on Sanibel.
Moderated by CROW Education & Outreach Coordinator Brittnay Laster, the panel brought together CROW veterinarian Dr. Rodney Schnellbacher, Mote Marine Laboratory veterinarian Dr. Ashlee Flanagan, CROW Wildlife Rehabilitation Manager Julie Toma and Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) sea turtle biologist Savannah Weber. They shared firsthand perspectives from the front lines of sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation.
“Many of the injuries we see are preventable,” Schnellbacher said. “Simple actions — like slowing down your boat or properly disposing of fishing line — can make a direct difference in whether a turtle lives or dies.”
Programs like Mind Your Line, a collaborative effort among Sanibel-Captiva conservation organizations, specifically address one of the most common threats to sea turtles: discarded fishing line. Entanglement can lead to severe injuries, infections or death, making proper disposal critical for protecting the vulnerable marine animals.
Turtle season officially runs from May 1 through Oct. 31 on the islands.
“The timing was perfect,” Laster said. “CROW was able to share important information about the charismatic sea turtles that call Florida’s waters home.”
Panelists emphasized that human activity continues to be a primary driver of sea turtle strandings and injuries. Artificial lighting along beaches was identified as a major concern, often disorienting hatchlings and reducing their chances of survival.
“Sea turtles are incredibly resilient animals,” Flanagan said. “With the right care, we’re able to treat conditions like red tide toxicity and trauma, and many of these turtles can be released back into the wild.”
The speakers also highlighted the Gulf Coast’s importance as critical habitat, particularly for the endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtle.
“What happens here has a direct impact on the future of the species,” Weber said.
The panel provided insight into the rehabilitation process, from intake and medical evaluation to long-term treatment and release. Toma emphasized the complexity of caring for the animals in a controlled environment.
“Our goal is always to return turtles to the wild,” she said. “That means not only treating their injuries but helping them regain the strength and behaviors they need to survive in their natural habitat.”
The panelists also shared updates on CROW’s Harkey Sea Turtle Complex. The state-of-the-art facility will serve as the only sea turtle rehabilitation center between Sarasota and the Florida Keys.
To reach CLINIC FOR THE REHABILITATION OF WILDLIFE, please email