Sea turtles often carry barnacles on their shells, leading to questions about whether these marine hitchhikers should be removed. While the presence of barnacles might seem like a burden, the relationship between barnacles and turtles is often more intricate than it appears. Deciding whether to intervene is not a simple matter and depends on various factors related to the turtle’s health and the specific nature of the barnacle attachment.
The Nature of Barnacle-Turtle Relationships
Barnacles are crustaceans that live a sedentary life as adults, attaching to various surfaces in the ocean, including sea turtle shells and sometimes skin. They use a strong, natural adhesive to firmly bond to the turtle’s scutes or skin. Once attached, these filter feeders benefit from the constant flow of water as the turtle moves, allowing them access to plankton and other small food particles.
This association is often considered a commensal relationship, where the barnacle benefits from a mobile home and food access, while the turtle is generally unaffected. Most barnacles do not harm sea turtles, especially when attached to the hard outer shell. Healthy, active turtles can often manage these epibionts, sometimes shedding scutes or rubbing against surfaces to dislodge them.
When Barnacles Become a Problem
While many barnacle attachments are harmless, there are specific circumstances where they can become detrimental to a turtle’s health. A high volume of barnacles can significantly increase hydrodynamic drag and body weight, making it more difficult for the turtle to swim efficiently or forage. This increased burden can lead to exhaustion and hinder the turtle’s ability to escape predators.
Barnacles can also pose a problem if they attach near sensory organs, such as the eyes or nostrils, potentially blocking vision or interfering with breathing. Certain species can burrow into the turtle’s skin or shell, causing discomfort, open wounds, or exacerbating fissures. These lesions can become entry points for bacterial or fungal infections, particularly in sick turtles. An excessive barnacle load often indicates a debilitated or sick turtle, as healthy turtles are usually more effective at preventing heavy infestations.
The Dangers of DIY Removal
Untrained individuals should never attempt to remove barnacles from a turtle. Barnacles are deeply cemented, and forcibly detaching them can cause significant injury. Improper removal can damage the turtle’s integument, leading to lacerations, open wounds, or pulling away layers of tissue. Such injuries provide direct pathways for pathogens, increasing the risk of infection.
Handling a wild turtle causes immense stress, potentially worsening its condition. Turtles can feel sensations through their shells, so rough removal can be painful. Many online videos depicting barnacle removals are performed by professionals; attempting to replicate these without proper training can do more harm than good.
Responsible Action and Professional Intervention
If you encounter a turtle with barnacles and are concerned about its welfare, observe the animal from a distance. Look for signs of distress, such as lethargy, difficulty swimming, visible injuries, or entanglement. If the turtle appears in genuine distress or heavily encrusted, direct intervention by an untrained individual is not advisable.
Instead, contact local wildlife rescue organizations, marine mammal stranding networks, or qualified veterinarians. These professionals have the expertise, specialized tools, and facilities to assess the turtle’s condition safely. They can determine if barnacle removal is necessary and perform the procedure to minimize stress and prevent injury or infection. Rehabilitated turtles often receive medical treatment before being released.