[Free On-Demand Webinar]

Laser Therapy to the Rescue for Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles

Gregg A. Levine, Paul J. McCurdy, Thomas J. Cutt, Chanel Browne, and Summer L. Martin

Entanglement of sea turtles in fishing gear is a global problem that impacts all species. One of the most frequent causes of morbidity due to fishing gear interaction is front flipper entanglement. Fishing line entanglement causes deep lacerations and strangulation of the affected flipper, leading to significant distal swelling, ischemic necrosis, bone fracture and self-amputation.

Vascularization of the limb distal to the strangulation injury has been shown to be a key prognostic indicator for potential viability of the flipper. This work led to the development of a conservative approach of rehabilitation therapy to treat affected flippers at the Maui Ocean Center Marine Institute (MOCMI).

In this webinar, you’ll learn how the MOCMI team uses laser therapy to speed up the healing process, promote tissue regeneration, and relieve pain and inflammation in Hawaiian green sea turtles affected by flipper entanglement. Join Gregg A. Levine, Paul J. McCurdy, Thomas J. Cutt, Chanel Browne, and Summer L. Martin as they detail the laser therapy and blue light protocols used as part of a multi-modal plan of care, then host a live Q&A panel.

Key Talking Points:

• Learn about the MOCMI sea turtle stranding response & rehabilitation program
• Data about sea turtle strandings on Maui
• Multi-modal treatment protocols for injured sea turtles
• The role of laser therapy in rehabilitation protocols
• Review of case studies, before and after images, and patient results