WILLEMSTAD – Marine biologists and conservation groups have confirmed the presence of a tumor-causing disease affecting sea turtles in Curaçao’s waters, raising concern among environmentalists and wildlife advocates on the island.
The disease, known as fibropapillomatosis (FP), manifests as tumor-like growths on sea turtles, particularly green turtles, which are commonly found in Caribbean waters. The condition is caused by a virus that leads to the development of benign but debilitating tumors on the animals’ soft tissues. These growths can appear on the eyes, neck, flippers and other parts of the body, and in severe cases can impair vision, movement and feeding ability, potentially threatening the turtles’ survival.
Although fibropapillomatosis has been documented in sea turtle populations around the world, its confirmation in Curaçao waters has drawn attention because of the island’s unique marine ecosystem and the vulnerability of its sea turtle species. Green turtles (Chelonia mydas) are especially susceptible to the disease, whereas other species such as hawksbills and loggerheads are less frequently affected.
Experts believe that environmental factors — including pollution, habitat degradation, and weakened immune systems due to stressors like injuries or contaminants — may exacerbate the spread and severity of the disease. These conditions can make turtles more vulnerable to infection and tumor growth.
The confirmation of fibropapillomatosis in Curaçao underscores the broader global challenge facing sea turtle conservation efforts. Scientists stress that while not all affected turtles develop life-threatening symptoms, the disease presents serious long-term risks to the health and sustainability of affected populations.
Conservation organizations on the island are urging increased monitoring, research, and protective measures to better understand the prevalence of the disease and to protect vulnerable marine species. Continued observation, habitat protection, and reduction of environmental stressors are seen as key components in mitigating the impact of the tumor disease on Curaçao’s sea turtles.
