Maldives opens major sea turtle treatment center
New marine conservation facility will rehabilitate injured turtles and train future wildlife care specialists in Indian Ocean region
MALE, Maldives (MNTV) — The Maldives has opened one of the Indian Ocean region’s largest and most advanced sea turtle rehabilitation centers, expanding efforts to treat injured marine wildlife threatened by pollution, fishing activity and ocean debris.
The institute was launched through a partnership between marine conservation organizations and tourism stakeholders in the Maldives, reflecting growing efforts to expand wildlife rehabilitation capacity in the Indian Ocean region.
Conservation groups say sea turtles across the Indian Ocean increasingly face injuries caused by discarded fishing gear, plastic pollution, boat strikes and habitat degradation, creating growing pressure on wildlife rescue and rehabilitation networks.
Officials said the Maldives facility is designed to provide long-term treatment, rehabilitation and release services for sick and injured turtles rescued from surrounding waters. Seven turtles are currently undergoing treatment at the center.
The institute includes specialized treatment infrastructure such as intensive care units, surgical and diagnostic facilities, therapeutic rehabilitation tanks and round pools with adjustable water depth and controlled water quality systems.
According to project officials, the center currently operates seven treatment tanks, including emergency critical care units, with plans to expand capacity to 12 tanks in the future to handle larger rescue operations.
The facility also contains veterinary equipment including X-ray and endoscopy systems, laser treatment technology and a 24-hour monitoring system for critically injured animals.
Beyond rehabilitation work, the institute is expected to function as a regional research and training hub focused on marine conservation and wildlife medicine.
As part of that effort, organizers said a specialized diploma program for sea turtle veterinary assistants will be launched in collaboration with the Maldives National University to help train local and international students in marine animal care.
Environmental groups say the Maldives — a low-lying island nation heavily dependent on marine ecosystems and tourism — faces increasing environmental challenges linked to climate change, coral reef degradation and ocean pollution.
Marine conservationists have warned that sea turtle populations across parts of the Indian Ocean remain vulnerable despite international protection efforts, with accidental entanglement in fishing nets and plastic waste among the leading causes of injury and death.
The Olive Ridley Project, which operates conservation programs across the Indian Ocean, has been involved in rescuing and tracking injured turtles in the Maldives and neighboring waters for several years.
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