Save the Ocean, Save the Turtle

Project “Save the Ocean, Save the Green Sea Turtle”

One day in June 2008, Busan Aquarium received a call from the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI) saying that a Green Sea Turtle was accidentally caught in a fish net and required immediate assistance. Every year, some 10 sea turtles are rescued or found dead in various fishing nets.

As in any rescue situation, a quick and correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment on site is necessary followed by a transfer to an intensive care unit where they can receive round-the-clock tender loving care. To give positive aid to rescue activities, Busan Aquarium has worked with the NFRDI for a long time and finally was designated a Marine Animal Conservation Center 1n 2010. Furthermore, in February 2011, the aquarium was again designated by The Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs as a “Marine Life Ex-Situ Conservation Institution,” thereby giving strong credibility and recognition of our conservation efforts over the years.

During the past two years, Busan Aquarium has rescued four sea turtles from fishing nets. Two of them have recovered their health and were released back to the ocean while the other two are still receiving treatment and awaiting future release. As such, Busan Aquarium today is at the forefront of sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation and is recognized as a leader in the rescue and rehabilitation field.

<Rescue, Rehabilitation and Release>

When staff from Busan Aquarium first arrived at the scene, the green sea turtle was losing its strength and seemed lifeless from fatigue. We quickly moved it to a specially designed box which was filled with sea water to keep its body wet, and eyes were covered with a wet towel to reduce stress.

Once it got back some strength, we scraped away all the barnacles on its shell, took some blood samples for a health check and gave the appropriate medicine as recommended by our veterinarian. As it regained its...