Phuket –
A female olive ridley sea turtle was rescued after being found entangled in a ghost net and stranded on Karon Beach on June 20, 2025.
The Upper Andaman Coast Marine and Coastal Resources Research Center received a report from a local rare marine species conservation network, alerting them to the distressed animal washed ashore. The center’s rescue team retrieved the turtle and transported it for emergency care and rehabilitation.
The turtle was identified as an adult female olive ridley, with a carapace measuring 68 centimeters wide and 64 centimeters long, and weighing approximately 31.7 kilograms. Though in fair body condition, she had sustained injuries around the base of both front flippers and showed signs of neck swelling—likely caused by prolonged entanglement in the discarded fishing gear.
Veterinarians are currently providing medical treatment and round-the-clock care at the Siritharn Rare Marine Animal Rescue Center, where the turtle is being closely monitored. Officials say that once her health is fully restored, she will be released back into the wild.
Ghost nets—abandoned or lost fishing gear floating in the ocean—pose a significant threat to marine wildlife, often entangling sea turtles, dolphins, and other vulnerable species. Conservationists continue to raise awareness about the importance of responsible fishing practices and marine debris prevention.
