Sea Turtles Thrive as Guanabara Bay Cleanup Yields Results

Sea turtles in Guanabara Bay, Rio de Janeiro, are recovering from fibropapillomatosis, a tumor disease, due to efforts to clean the water. Research indicates improved health conditions, and authorities are investing significant funds in ongoing environmental initiatives. Conservationists stress the importance of habitat protection.

Sea turtles in the Guanabara Bay of Rio de Janeiro are showing marked health improvements after enduring years of severe tumor disease, which inhibited their movement, vision, and feeding, and often led to death.

Scientists attribute this positive change to substantial environmental cleanup efforts by local authorities, which significantly improved the condition of the natural harbor. Studies have established a link between fibropapillomatosis—a benign tumor disease affecting sea turtles—and both viral and environmental factors.

Kassia Coelho, a veterinary pathological anatomy professor at the Federal Fluminense University, reported that samples from the turtles and the water demonstrated a much healthier environment. She explained that their research involves analyzing turtle health by collecting blood and tumors, monitoring their growth, and tracking them annually.

Coelho noted that many turtles are recaptured for ongoing assessment, which includes checking their growth, weight, and tumor status. Guanabara Bay, now suffering from urban pollution, was once a thriving nursery for marine life.

In 2022, studies revealed that approximately 75% of local sea turtles bore tumors. While research continues, oceanographer and professor Gustavo Baila from the Federal University of Rio Grande mentioned a significant health improvement in sea turtles starting in 2023.

Highlighting the critical role of these species in marine conservation, Baila emphasized the severe impact their health had on their development. Brazil hosts five out of the seven global sea turtle species, which face threats from human activity. Conservationists advocate for stronger protective measures.

Alexandre Bianchini, vice president of Brazilian water and sewage treatment company Aegea, confirmed the investment of around 2 billion reais ($356.42 million) for water cleanup in the area, noting nature's positive response. ($1 = 5.6113 reais)

(With inputs from agencies.)