In January STCC found that half of the turtles that were captured during the annual in-water survey had tumors. Most likely these are related to fybropapillomatosis. This herpes related disease is found worldwide, but the sudden high prevalence is reason for concern. We need to conduct additional research to get a better understanding of the spread and severity of the disease. But we we don't have sufficient funding.
The problem is that after 2 years of no sick animals in the study now half show external tumors. This only seems to be the case on the North shore, but we have insufficient data.
We will doe research in 9 locations so we have a better understanding of the populations and the differences between locations
This study will be the baseline info for al the following years to come
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
