Entangled Olive Ridley Turtle | Lepidochelys olivacea

Female olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) entangled in a very large ghost fishing net in the Indian Ocean. Multiple lines were wrapped around her shell and left rear flipper. We were fortunately able to cut the lines and release her. Though obviously weary and exhausted, she was eventually able to dive, after resting at the surface for an extended period. She swam toward me, letting me stroke her shell as she regained her composure. Her swimming was weak, particularly her rear left flipper, but she was able to dive beyond visible depth.

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Filename: olive-ridley-turtle-entangled-fishing-net-201502-0625.tif
Copyright: Copyright Tony Wu. All rights reserved. No duplication, reproduction or usage without prior written permission.
Image Size: 5303x3535 / 32.6MB; https://www.photoshelter.com/support/license#rm; https://www.tony-wu.com/contact-tony-wu; Turtle Animalia Chordata Reptilia Testudines Cheloniidae Olive Ridley Turtle Lepidochelys olivacea CITES Appendix 1 Vulnerable: IUCN Red List Entanglement Indian Ocean Sri Lanka
Contained in galleries: Marine Life | Sri Lanka, Garbage and Trash

Female olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) entangled in a very large ghost fishing net in the Indian Ocean. Multiple lines were wrapped around her shell and left rear flipper. We were fortunately able to cut the lines and release her. Though obviously weary and exhausted, she was eventually able to dive, after resting at the surface for an extended period. She swam toward me, letting me stroke her shell as she regained her composure. Her swimming was weak, particularly her rear left flipper, but she was able to dive beyond visible depth.