JUNO BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — Loggerhead Marinelife Center admitted 65 sea turtles in just one week, the highest number of patients the Juno Beach-based facility has ever treated at one time.
The Marinelife Center announced on Tuesday that the surge included turtles suffering from a wide range of injuries and illnesses, among them four cases linked directly to fishing activity. Those turtles were brought in after becoming entangled in fishing gear or ingesting monofilament fishing line, injuries experts say are often preventable.
Officials at Loggerhead Marinelife Center say the record-breaking week highlights the growing impact of human activity on marine life along Florida’s coastline. Discarded fishing line, hooks, and other debris can cause severe injuries, infections, and, in some cases, death for sea turtles and other wildlife.
MARCH 31, 2026 – Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Jupiter treated a record 65 sea turtles last week after an influx of injured and sick animals — including several hurt by fishing gear — highlighting the continued impact of human activity on Florida’s marine life and the need for responsible fishing practices. (Loggerhead Marinelife Center)
The center is urging anglers and boaters to take simple steps to reduce those risks, including properly disposing of fishing line and gear, never leaving debris behind on piers or shorelines, and staying alert while on the water.
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Those efforts are reinforced through the Responsible Pier Initiative, a conservation program that brings together anglers, fishing pier operators, and environmental groups to promote best practices designed to protect sea turtles and preserve ocean ecosystems. The program focuses on education, proper disposal of resources, and collaboration between the fishing and conservation communities.
Loggerhead Marinelife Center treats hundreds of injured and sick sea turtles each year, rehabilitating them for release back into the ocean whenever possible. Staff says public awareness and responsible behavior play a critical role in reducing the number of turtles that need rescue.
Anyone who encounters an injured or distressed sea turtle is advised not to touch or attempt to move the animal. Instead, they should contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Wildlife Assistance Line at 888-404-3922 so trained responders can help.
For more information about sea turtle protection and responsible fishing practices, visit marinelife.org.