Endangered Green Sea Turtle Successfully Released After Life-Threating Fishing Line Obstruction

An Endangered green sea turtle has been released back into the ocean near Kurnell, NSW after making a remarkable recovery at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium’s Animal Rescue Centre, where veterinarians identified a potentially lethal obstruction.

The turtle’s rescue story began on October 6th, 2024, when a concerned member of the public discovered the large turtle floating helplessly at the surface of the water near Taren Point, south of Sydney. Unable to dive, the distressed turtle was carefully pulled aboard their boat. The rescuer promptly contacted SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and Sea Bird Rescue for assistance.

Once at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium’s Animal Rescue Centre, x-rays confirmed the foreign obstruction in the turtle's digestive system was a fishing line. After weeks of specialised care and treatment, the female turtle that the team affectionately named Taren, successfully passed the fishing line that had been preventing her from diving normally.

"We are thrilled with Taren's recovery and release," says Kellie Carmody, Curatorial Supervisor at SEA LIFE Sydney. "It's always rewarding to see animals like Taren, who arrive in a compromised state, regain their health and strength, and return to the ocean."

Following months of rehabilitation and after demonstrating strong diving and feeding behaviours, Taren was released back into the waters near where she was originally found, marking a successful conclusion to her rescue and rehabilitation journey.

Taren’s rescue story highlights the ongoing threat of marine debris to endangered sea creatures, with fishing line and plastic pollution continuing to pose a serious risk to turtle populations.

To find out more about the Animal Rescue Centre, visit: www.visitsealife.com/sydney/conservation/animal-rescue-centre.

If a member of the public discovered an injured or distressed animal, they should call SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium’s Animal Rescue Centre on 0402 783 455.