I’ve been blessed to have access to underwater camera, snorkeling and other equipment thanks to sister, Michele and other friends and family on Maui.
Unfortunately, perhaps due to pollutants, sunscreens, plastics and other toxic chemicals, some, like this beautiful female with the absolute largest cyst on any of the three I’ve seen since 2018.
What follows is email I received from Maui Ocean Center’s Turtle Technician, Katie Ornelas:
Aloha Shawn, [Friday, Aug. 16, 2024]
Mahalo for reaching out to me. We really appreciate your support for our work and passion for the honu of Hawai’i!
MA399 is named Hansen.
133E was not tagged by us, so unfortunately I do not have the details for that individual. It is most likely a turtle that was possibly tagged in the French Frigate Shoals on East Island.
As for the video, that is so cool! I do just want to make one clarifying point about fibropapillomatosis (FP) treatments. While the Marine Institute does not offer any treatments for FP, some organizations try to remove tumors through surgery, cryosurgery or electrochemotherapy – although the efficacy is not known as the tumors can grow back. Unfortunately, our small organization does not have the resources for these surgeries at this time. Scientists are still working to uncover what causes FP, and hopefully we will have a conclusive answer soon.
Happy Aloha Friday,
Katie and the MOCMI Team
Aloha Shawn, [Sunday. July 28, 2024]
Mahalo for your inquiry about sea turtles around Maui with mototool tags like “MA399” etched onto their carapace. These tags are used by the Maui Ocean Center (MOC) Marine Institute team as a way to monitor previous rehabilitation patients. Our team uses a Dremel to safely etch the shell with the island’s initials and the turtle’s patient number (for example, MA for Maui and 399 for the 399th turtle rehabilitated since 2019). The groove is then filled with white paint that is harmless to the turtle but makes it easier for future observers to view the turtle’s number without disturbing it. These numbers will typically last up to a year, depending on the turtle’s growth rate.
As for your question regarding the FP, there are no treatments our facility can offer currently. There is still ongoing research as to the best method of tumor removal. Here is a NOAA webpage that discusses FP in the sea turtle population.
The MOC Marine Institute is a small nonprofit dedicated to inspiring lifelong environmental stewardship and ensuring the survival of coral reefs and sea turtles in Hawaiʻi through science-based conservation efforts, education, and outreach. If you would like to donate or learn more about our organization please visit our website at mocmarineinstitute.org.
Mahalo,
Katie and the MOCMI Team
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For more “Do Epic Shiiiiiiitz”, please check out Vlog
Paz
Abrazos
Mahalos especially to Katie Ornelas with all her outstanding clarifications on “Hansen” and the difficulties in trying to help these turtles and other marine life ~
Do Epic Shit 