Maldives Sea Turtle Rescue & Rehabilitation

Turtle Rescue & Rehabilitation

This month, we returned Afaa and Honey back to the ocean, following successful rehabilitation at our Maldives turtle rescue centres.

Two of our sea turtle patients have been enjoying time in our large lagoon encosure at Landaa – namely Mariyam (Olive Ridley, now released) and Artemis (hawksbill). Artemis was transferred to the sea pen on 15 September (photos below), to give her the opportunity for increased exercise and to encourage her diving. Artemis has shown interest in exploring her new environment and has maintained a healthy appetite since her transfer.

Vahbohura Nest

In July, an adult hawksbill was spotted trying to nest on Vahbohura Island. She crawled to the beach on three different days but due to the characteristics of the site (densely packed sand, tree roots, rubble) we did not observe a successful nest. In the days that followed , the area was monitored, however, we did not observe the turtle or any tell-tale tracks.

Despite all odds, at the end of this month, guests spotted hawksbill hatchlings in the area! Once on site, we confirmed that all hatchlings  had successfully made their way into the ocean. A subsequent nest excavation (standard practice) revealed a total of 87 eggs (55 hatched, 6 underdeveloped, 26 unfertilized).

Embryonic Development in Sea Turtles

The precise age at which hawksbill turtles reach sexual maturity remains unknown to scientists. Nesting females have been recorded from 66 to 95cm carapace length, taking 10 to 30 years to reach this size (depending on the population and food availability). Turtles of this species will mate every two years, and the females can lay two to five nests per season. In the Indian Ocean, the clutches tend to be of 100 to 180 eggs, taking around 60 days to incubate, with an average hatch success of 78% . While excavating the eggs in our Vabhohura nest, we collected different embryo stages from 6 unhatched eggs.

Embryonic development in sea turtles largely depends on the external environment such as temperature derangements, humidity and gaseous content, which have been investigated as potential causes of mortality. Despite the significance of embryo mortalities in hatch success, pathology in perinatal sea turtles is poorly described and histopathological descriptions of sea turtle embryos are sparse.
The interruption of embryogenesis in sea turtles had been associated with tissue mineralization including renal, fetal membrane, liver, heart or muscle; chorioallantoitis (inflammation of a membrane in the egg); muscle degeneration and necrosis as well as inflammatory lesions associated with fungal or bacterial infections.

Development stages

• Neurulation-Somitogenesis: The neural plate folds and transforms into the neural tube; somites form from the paraxial mesoderm of the neurulating embryo. Development of the head, brain, heart, and blood vessels.
• Somitogenesis-Organogenesis: Organised and integrated processes by which embryonic layers transform into tissues and organs.
• Early growth: All major organs and systems continue to develop and grow. Limbs develop; ribs are visible; carapace develops with scutes; tail equals hindlimbs in length, organs and systems continue to grow.
• Late growth: Organs and systems conclude growth and development; a fully developed sea turtle is ready to hatch. Head and flipper scales present; all organs and systems fully developed; pigmentation is evident.

REFERENCES

• Martín-del-Campo et al (2021). Congenital Malformations in Sea Turtles: Puzzling Interplay between Genes and Environment. Animals.
• Mau et al (2024). In-nest mortality and pathology of hawksbill sea turtle embryos and hatchlings. Journal of Comparative Pathology.

Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBM)

The use of light therapy can be traced back to ancient civilizations, going as far back as ancient Egyptian and Indian medicine, that used sunlight (heliotherapy) for healing and promoting health. Later, in 1967, a Hungarian physician-scientist, reported that low-dose laser treatments were capable of promoting wound healing and hair regrowth in mice. He termed this phenomenon photostimulation and went on to demonstrate the efficacy of this treatment in human patients with skin ulcers. Now adapted into Veterinary Medicine, PBM can be a great ally in multiple clinical cases. With this new machine and different probes, it is possible to alleviate various symptoms, reduce recovery time, boost immune system and offer greater welfare during rehabilitation. In the upcoming weeks, protocols and a manual will be elaborated for future use.

• Generator / Monitor Dual Light Cluster (bigger areas). Red light acts in the blood microcirculation, angiogenesis, combats free radicals, stimulates collagen production. It also possesses anti-inflammatory properties. The Infrared light has analgesic properties and increases celular permeability as well as boosting the immune system; can reach deeper tissues.
• Dual Light Cluster (bigger areas). Blue light offers antibacterial, fungicide and hydrationpropoerties; combats infections and potentializes topic treatments. Green light increases collagen production, reduces inflammation, promotes healing, stimulates blood microcirculation, stimulates lymphatic circulation, has calming and bactericide properties. Green light acts mainly on the epidermis and dermis.
• Dual Light Cluster – Amber and Violet light kills harmful microorganisms, enhances ATP production, inflammation management. Enhances the red light properties.
• Blue Light Pen – Blue light (smaller areas). Antibacterial, fungicide, hydration, combats infections and potentializes topic treatments. Acts mainly on the epidermis and open wound on dermis.
• Dual Light Pen – (smaller areas). Red & Infrared light for intravenous laser irradiation of blood (ILIB). Red light acts on epidermis, dermis, hypodermis, muscle fascia, muscle, ligaments and tendons. Infrared Light acts on the same, plus nervous tissue and bone.

REFERENCES

• Mosca et al (2019). Photobiomodulation Therapy for Wound Care.
• Mester et al (1971). Effect of laser radiation on the wound healing.
• Meshalkin et al (1981). Application of Direct Laser Irradiation in Experimental and Clinical Heart Surgery.
• Altman S (1979). Acupuncture as an emergency treatment.
• Cabrera et al (2002). Laseracupuntura con hélio neon en tratamiento de pacientes traumatizados.
• Erthal et al (2013). Laser acupuncture reduces pain-related behavior in rats.
• Figueiredo et al (2018). Estudo retrospectivo de 98 Felinos submetidos à acupuntura atendidos em serviços de Reabilitação e dor crônica.
• Gottschling et al (2008). Laser acupuncture in children with headache.

REEFSCAPERS Coral Propagation & Reef Restoration in the Maldives

At Kuda Huraa during September, our coral experts transplanted 8 new coral frames. We also monitored and retransplanted more than 20 existing frames, including four large Xmas frames and one coral pyramid, totalling 51 man-hours of diving. In addition, we continue our extensive maintenance work around the island, following the damage caused by the global mass coral bleaching event earlier this year.

At Landaa this month, we transplanted 58 new coral frames, kindly sponsored by guests (45), the Resort (14), and online (0), adding almost 5000 new coral fragments to the reef. We monitored (cleaned, repaired, photographed) a total of 571 established coral frames at various sites around Landaa and Voavah.
We have been continuing our mass recycling efforts, following the coral bleaching event earlier in the year. We are prioritising the House Reef and Jetty sites, as they are visited most frequently by guests for snorkeling.
This month, the remaining 40 large frames were built at the Four Seasons private island of Voavah, kindly sponsored by guests (50) and the resort (10). We extend a HUGE THANK YOU to our Resort colleagues in Dive and Recreation, plus our local marine apprentices … a real team effort from everyone. [photos below]