Olive Ridley Sea Turtle Rescued from Fishing Net on Karon Beach
A stranded olive ridley sea turtle was rescued from a discarded fishing net on Karon Beach and is now recovering under veterinary care before its return to the Andaman Sea
Key Points
- 1An olive ridley sea turtle was found entangled in a fishing net on Karon Beach, Phuket
- 2A lifeguard alerted marine rescue, who freed the turtle and took it for treatment
- 3The turtle will be monitored and released after rehabilitation, according to the Sireetarn Marine Endangered Animals Rescue Centre
- 4Olive ridley turtles primarily nest along Thailand's Andaman coast and are protected under Thai law
A distressed olive ridley sea turtle was saved on Monday after being found entangled in a discarded fishing net along the shoreline of Karon Beach, Phuket. The rescue was initiated by a vigilant lifeguard who immediately alerted the Sireetarn Marine Endangered Animals Rescue Centre. Veterinarians arrived swiftly, freed the turtle, and transported it for medical care and rehabilitation
The Sireetarn centre confirmed that the turtle will be closely monitored while it recovers, with plans to release it back into the Andaman Sea once it regains full health. According to the centre, "The turtle would be closely monitored and nursed back to full health, and then be released back into the Andaman Sea." This rescue highlights ongoing concerns about marine debris and its impact on local wildlife along Thailand’s Andaman coast
The olive ridley, or Lepidochelys olivacea, is the smallest yet most abundant sea turtle species, recognized by its smooth, greyish-green shell and distinctive head shape. While the species nests primarily on the Andaman coast, their numbers have been declining, and strandings are increasingly reported. The olive ridley is protected under Thailand’s Wild Animal Reservation and Protection Act BE 2535 (1992), making every successful rescue a crucial step in conservation
For Koh Samui residents and visitors, this story is a reminder of the vital role communities play in protecting marine life. As plastic waste and abandoned fishing gear continue to threaten endangered species, local vigilance and quick action remain essential in safeguarding Thailand’s unique coastal ecosystems
