Biroshaba 

(RB.LO.098), juvenile Olive Ridley turtle, admitted 14-Jan-17, Niyama, Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives

Although we love to share our success stories, sometimes the greatest lesson comes from the turtles who are not so lucky. Meet Biroshaba, a juvenile Olive Ridley turtle that was found entangled in a ghost net by the team at PER AQUUM Niyama. Thanks to their swift action, Biroshaba had been given then best chance of survival, however the turtle succumbed to its extensive injuries in the first few days of rehabilitation.

Ghost nets are the number one cause of sea turtle standings in the Maldives, with the Olive Ridley turtle being the most susceptible due to living within the pelagic (open ocean) environment. Unfortunately, encounters with these nets can cause deep lacerations, buoyancy issues, malnutrition, dehydration, amputation and death. In the Maldives, the “Olive Ridley Season” coincides with the change in seasonal monsoon, causing nets and marine debris to float on oceanic currents from countries such as India and Sri Lanka.