Loggerhead sea turtle released into Gulf after fish hook removed

Writer: Derrick Shaw
Published: Updated:
CROW released a loggerhead sea turtle Monday that was hooked by a fisherman over the weekend. (Credit: CROW)

A female loggerhead sea turtle that was accidentally hooked by a fisherman over the weekend was treated and released back into the Gulf on Monday.

Credit: CROW

The CROW Clinic on Sanibel said the angler immediately called FWC on Saturday after the 220 lb. turtle inadvertently swallowed a baited line. The turtle was picked up by the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation and taken to CROW.

Credit: CROW

The turtle was sedated at the wildlife hospital so the hook, embedded in the corner of its mouth, could be removed safely. After recovery, it was tagged with flipper tags and a microchip before being taken to Tarpon Bay Beach to be released.

CROW said if you accidentally hook a sea turtle, do not cut the line and release the turtle. Reel it in slowly and immediately contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) at (888) 404-FWCC (3922) or CROW at (239) 472-3644 ext. #222.

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