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Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a working animal hospital dedicated to the rescue. rehabilitation, and release of marine life and a leader in research and conservation efforts to protect animals in the wild. Donate to support our mission today!

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Blog & News

Green Sea Turtle Returns Home After Recovering From Entanglement

Releases Released Animals Posted March 10, 2021

Clearwater Marine Aquarium released Nerds, a juvenile green sea turtle, on Wednesday, March 10, 2021.

Nerds’ Story

On October 24, 2020, Nerds was found entangled in a fishing line in Pasco County. Not only was the fishing line found around Nerds’ neck, but x-rays revealed some had been ingested. This can pose serious complications and gastrointestinal issues if not treated immediately. Fortunately, our medical team was able to remove the line without invasive surgery. Nerds also had fibropapilloma tumors (pap tumors) which were removed. 

green sea turtle release

After several months of healing, Nerds has reached his goal weight and has been cleared for release by our veterinarian and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Nerds is lucky to have been rescued and the story is a success, but it serves as a great example of the impacts that improperly disposed fishing gear can have on native wildlife. 

green sea turtle release

On March 10, Nerds was released at Fred Howard Park. We wish him the best as he makes his way back home!


All marine turtle footage taken in Florida was obtained with the approval of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) under conditions not harmful to marine turtles. Footage was acquired while conducting authorized conservation activities pursuant to FWC MTP-19-172.

Previous Post: CMA Rescue Team Helps Disentangle a Dolphin Calf
Next Post: Ludwig, the Green Sea Turtle, Heads Home

We believe in preserving our environment while inspiring the human spirit through leadership in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine life; environmental education; research; and conservation.
We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium
249 Windward Passage
Clearwater, FL 33767
727-441-1790

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A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR CLEARWATER MARINE AQUARIUM, A FL-BASED NONPROFIT CORPORATION (REGISTRATION NO. CH352), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE OR BY VISITING www.800helpfla.com. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. Federal Tax ID#: 59-2086737.

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