Last Friday, Zoomarine’s Porto d’Abrigo Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre successfully released another juvenile loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) back into the ocean, after two months of dedicated care and rehabilitation. The operation took place aboard the NRP Sagitário of the Portuguese Navy, under the command of First Lieutenant Mira Pinhão, departing from the Naval Support Point in Portimão.

The star of this release was Wave, a young sea turtle rescued on May, 14th, 2025 by individuals who promptly contacted RALVT – the Lisbon and Tagus Valley Stranding Network. RALVT then transferred the animal to the specialist care of Zoomarine’s rescue centre.

Wave arrived with buoyancy issues and dehydration, symptoms that clinical exams linked to plastic ingestion – one of the most serious threats to marine life. During rehabilitation, several fragments of plastic were excreted, underlining the real and

lasting impact of marine pollution on ocean ecosystems. Within the first 24 hours, the turtle underwent oxygen therapy to prevent decompression sickness. Though it showed abnormal buoyancy in the initial days, it maintained a strong appetite and gradually resumed diving and feeding along the bottom of the recovery pool.

From an initial weight of 9.8 kg and a shell measuring 39 cm, Wave made an impressive recovery, reaching 11.6 kg and 41.9 cm by the end of its rehabilitation, with all medical and behavioural indicators pointing to a successful return to the sea.

The release was carried out 12 nautical miles off the coast of Portimão, away from intensive fishing zones to reduce risk. For future identification, Wave was fitted with flipper tags and a microchip – the latter ensuring recognition even if the tags are lost due to growth or saltwater erosion.

The operation was supported by the Portuguese Navy and attended by ICNF – the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests – both key partners in Zoomarine’s marine conservation mission.

This release reinforces Zoomarine’s ongoing commitment to protecting marine biodiversity. Established in 2002, Porto d’Abrigo was Portugal’s first marine species rehabilitation centre.

Together, We Protect!