05/23/2026
Barnacles can tell sea turtle biologists, researchers, and rehabilitation specialists a lot about a turtle’s life - where they’ve been, how they’ve been moving, and most importantly, their overall health. In many cases, a heavy barnacle load can be a sign that a turtle has been sluggish or less active, allowing these small crustaceans to attach and grow quickly across the carapace and even soft tissue.
It’s important to understand that this isn’t something to fix or remove in the field. If you ever come across a sick or injured sea turtle, always call trained professionals.
STS 24/7 Emergency Line (561) 782-2707
