Sea Turtle Consumption Linked to 420 Fatalities and 2,400…

A new study indicates that eating sea turtles results in 420 deaths and over 2,400 cases of chelonitoxism worldwide. Notable incidents include three fatalities in the Philippines and nine in Tanzania. Chelonitoxism manifests as severe gastrointestinal symptoms that may lead to critical health complications. The hawksbill turtle is primarily responsible for these poisonings, yet underreporting presents a challenge in addressing the issue effectively.

A recent study has highlighted the significant dangers associated with sea turtle consumption, linking it to 420 global fatalities and over 2,400 cases of chelonitoxism, a lethal form of seafood poisoning. The most recent case occurred in the Philippines, where three individuals died after consuming an endangered sea turtle stew, resulting in 32 hospitalizations. In another incident in March 2024 on Pemba Island, Tanzania, nine individuals succumbed following the ingestion of sea turtle meat, and 78 required medical attention.

Chelonitoxism manifests as upper gastrointestinal distress, with symptoms including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In severe situations, this illness can lead to critical complications such as swallowing difficulties, drowsiness, multi-organ failure, coma, or death. According to a December 2024 report published in the Science of the Total Environment, most patients typically recover within a week, but recovery may be complicated in dire cases.

The study examined 62 documented instances of chelonitoxism, involving approximately 2,424 victims from the Caribbean and the Indian and Pacific Oceans. A significant number of cases occurred in remote areas of the Indo-Pacific region, including Zanzibar, Madagascar, India, Japan, and several others. Notably, the majority of cases were concentrated in Madagascar (25.4%), India (13.6%), French Polynesia (10.2%), and Sri Lanka and Papua New Guinea (8.5% each).

The study remarked on the illegal exploitation of turtles, particularly in Haiti, during the period of 1990 to 2020. It pointed out that cases of chelonitoxism appear to be less frequent or unreported in the Caribbean, suggesting a potential underreporting issue linked to the covert nature of turtle consumption.

The hawksbill turtle was identified as the primary contributor to poisoning incidents, responsible for 59% of cases, while green turtles accounted for 23%. Other species implicated include loggerhead, flatback, olive ridley, and leatherback turtles. The investigation revealed that all turtle organs could be toxic regardless of how they are prepared, and some cases reported the consumption of turtle eggs, believed to have aphrodisiac properties.

Breastfeeding infants are not exempt from the risks associated with sea turtle consumption, as toxins can enter breast milk. The study reviews potential treatments, including intravenous lipid emulsion therapy, previously successful with sea turtles affected by brevetoxicosis.

This alarming research underscores the severe consequences of consuming sea turtles, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and regulation surrounding this practice.

The study highlights that sea turtle consumption is linked to severe health risks, including a significant number of fatalities and hospitalizations due to chelonitoxism. It suggests that illegal practices and underreporting complicate our understanding of the issue. Most poisoning incidents involve hawksbill and green turtles, with symptoms ranging from gastrointestinal distress to life-threatening conditions. Awareness and preventive measures are imperative to reduce these incidents.

Original Source: www.jamaicaobserver.com