This Man Makes It His Mission To Save The Local Sea Turtles From Their Suffering (Video)

Sea turtles are now classified as endangered species. Existing threats include pollution, climate change, and human activities such as fisheries bycatch, coastal development, and poaching. While human lifestyle mostly contributes to all of these threats, some of these marine reptiles are also threatened by natural predators such as large sharks, killer whales, and even pelicans. And the peril doesn’t stop there. Barnacle infestation can also put these marine reptiles at risk.

Aside from discomfort and potential infection, overloading of barnacles prevents sea turtles from moving swiftly and may hinder their ability to swim. The additional weight on their shell also increases surface drag, hence making swimming more strenuous. With the heavy burden and limited mobility, sea turtles may not be able to search for food. In worse cases, barnacles can also attach to their eyes and mouth. When it happens, they will not be able to see or eat properly. And since sea turtles do not have any specific mechanism to remove the barnacles from their bodies, this condition can lead to starvation and even death.