Barnacles are a sign a turtle is unwell, as healthy animals can keep their growth under control
Volunteers see a large number of sick turtles at this time of year. All photos courtesy of Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project
Turtles often wash up at this time of year when the sea cools, which can lead to a condition called cold stunning
It occurs when cooler waters cause the metabolism of a turtle to slow, leading to a decreased heart rate and low blood circulation, which can result in lethargy and pneumonia
Of the seven species of turtles found in the world’s oceans, five can be found in the UAE. All seven are all listed between Vulnerable to Critically Endangered
Earlier this year, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment revealed a plan to help protect the turtles that inhabit the UAE’s waters
Forcibly removing the barnacles this can cause not only external damage but internal damage too
“After the bumper nesting season earlier in the year, we are unfortunately expecting a lot of these as we move into winter," the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project says
