Sea turtles, once thriving in the oceans, have been classified as endangered due to a multitude of threats. Pollution, climate change, human activities like bycatch, coastal development, and poaching are primary contributors to their decline. These marine reptiles also face threats from natural predators such as large sharks, killer whales, and even pelicans. In addition to these dangers, sea turtles can fall victim to barnacle infestations, a lesser-known but equally perilous threat.
While barnacles aren’t considered parasites, their excessive attachment to sea turtles can jeopardize the turtles’ lives. Most barnacles latch onto the hard shell of the turtle, but some affix themselves to sensitive areas like the head, fins, or tail. When barnacles burrow into the turtle’s skin, they can cause discomfort and create open wounds susceptible to infection. Thus, when encountering a sea turtle stranded on the shore covered in barnacles, one can potentially save its life by removing these nuisances. A compassionate man in Sri Lanka recently shared a video demonstrating the correct procedure for removing barnacles from a sea turtle’s shell.
In his YouTube video, Chika Boy demonstrated how to delicately remove barnacles from a sea turtle’s shell using a butcher knife. Barnacles can be extracted with other suitable tools, but caution must be exercised to avoid damaging the turtle’s shell. Barnacles are tiny, adhesive crustaceans that thrive by adhering to hard surfaces such as rocks, boats, and sea turtles. In some instances, these persistent creatures can dig into the turtle’s shell, going beyond the external shell to the inner plastron. Consequently, forceful removal may harm the shell and lead to severe injury.
Apart from causing discomfort and potential infection, an excessive barnacle load impedes a sea turtle’s mobility, hindering its ability to swim swiftly. The added weight on the shell increases drag, making swimming more strenuous. With a heavy burden and limited mobility, sea turtles may struggle to forage for food. In the worst-case scenario, barnacles can attach themselves to the turtle’s eyes and mouth, obstructing its vision and feeding capabilities. Since sea turtles lack a specific mechanism to rid themselves of barnacles, this condition can ultimately lead to starvation and death.
Through his video, Chika Boy aims to inspire individuals to rescue heavily infested sea turtles if they encounter them. He has also shared another video where he can be seen rescuing a sea turtle entangled in a fishing net. Similar to his initial video, the turtle in question was covered in barnacles. Consequently, he took the time to painstakingly remove all the barnacles from the shell before releasing it back into the sea.
Chika Boy’s actions exemplify the power of compassion and the positive impact individuals can have on the conservation of endangered species like sea turtles. By raising awareness and demonstrating the proper way to alleviate their suffering, he is contributing to the preservation of these magnificent marine creatures.
