If you are involved in an accidental collision with a sea turtle or see an injured one in distress here in the Florida Keys, please call us at The Turtle Hospital 24-hour Stranding Hotline at (305) 481-7669

If you are in the entire state of Florida, contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) at (888) 404-3922 [*FWC or #FWC]

If you are on your own boat out on the ocean, you can radio the Coast Guard on VHF Channel 16

Be ready with your location, description, and photos of the sea turtle

Examples of a sea turtle that might need help include, but are not limited to:

• Lethargically floating on the surface
• Struggling and unable to dive
• Entangled in fishing line, rope, netting or plastic material
• Apparent damage from a boat strike
• Washed up on the beach/shore, possibly very skinny or a small wash-back hatchling
• Tumor growth anywhere on the turtle – commonly found on the flippers and eyes.

A Green turtle floating with tumors on his eyes and neck.

Sea turtles are endangered/threatened species and SHOULD NOT be touched or handled by anyone unless authorized by the FWC or The Turtle Hospital.