Rescue of Endangered Green Sea Turtle Injured on Jeju Beach

An endangered green sea turtle with severe injuries on its shell was discovered and rescued near Pyoseon Beach in Seogwipo, Jeju.

According to the Seogwipo Coast Guard on the 28th, a report was received around 3:20 PM on the 27th that a green sea turtle was found approximately 200 meters off the coast in front of the situation room at Pyoseon Beach.

The rescued green sea turtle is an adult measuring about 70 cm in length and 40 cm in width, weighing around 20 kg. Notably, it has a large fracture of 21 cm on its carapace, indicating an urgent need for treatment.

The diagnosis from Aqua Planet, a specialized marine animal rescue and treatment organization, suggests that this injury does not appear to have been caused by entanglement in discarded fishing gear.

The veterinarian at Aqua Planet stated, "The turtle is lethargic, and the injury on the posterior part of its shell is serious, requiring treatment and protection."

Swift Response from Jeju Coast Guard and Call for Protection of Endangered Marine Life

The Seogwipo Coast Guard promptly responded to the report and rescued the turtle, conducting emergency measures such as supplying oxygen and maintaining water temperature. Later, around 4:26 PM on the same day, they handed over the turtle to representatives from Aqua Planet who arrived at the scene.

A representative from the Seogwipo Coast Guard urged citizens to "avoid touching or moving endangered marine life if found, and immediately report it to the Coast Guard."

Meanwhile, there have been recent discoveries of dead sea turtles in the Jeju area. On the 15th, a dead green sea turtle, estimated to have been deceased for over 25 days, was found at Iho Tewoo Beach in Jeju City.

According to research by Professor Kim Byung-yeop's team at Jeju University, a total of 15 dead turtles have been found throughout Jeju this year, with four discovered just in July as of the 15th.

Image source: Seogwipo Coast Guard