In the case of Lee County Sheriff's Office Deputy Ryan Justham, the apprehension was the capture of a sea turtle off Upper Captiva Island on Saturday.
It was later determined that the animal was suffering the effects of exposure to red tide.
According to a public information officer for the LCSO, the deputies were called when the turtle was spotted off shore near Barnacle Phil's Restaurant on Point House Trail.
A restaurant worker said that the animal could be seen floundering in the water just off the restaurant and it was obvious that it was distressed, so they called around and were put in touch with the sheriff's office.
Marine Unit deputies Justham and Chris Lusk responded, corralled the turtle and transported it back to Captiva Island.
"When I arrived at Barnacle Phil’s the turtle was on the beach and not very active, so I was able to pick it up and carry it to the boat," Justham said.
The deputy added that there were no obvious signs of injury to the animal, however it was only moving it's head and the actions appeared to be extremely labored.
The turtle was turned over to the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife animal rescue center for treatment.
On Sunday, Kenny Howell, spokesman for CROW, said that the adult green sea turtle weighed 52 pounds and arrived at the organization's rehabilitation center depressed, pale and was having difficulty breathing.
The turtle had a single small fibropapilloma, a common disease that causes tumors to cover a turtle's body and impedes vision, mouth and movement, Howell said.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, for an unknown reason the frequency of fibropapilloma is much higher in green turtles than in other species.
"It is believed that the sea turtle has Brevitoxicosis," Howell said via an email. The affliction is related to red tide.
"Overall, the turtle is in great body condition and being provided supportive care (food, water) and being monitored closely," he added.
The prognosis for the animal is positive and it is expected to be released in the near future.
Justham said the rescue was not his first.
"As a member of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit I’ve rescued multiple animals, to include multiple manatees, pelicans, anhingas (diving ducks) and a raccoon from a channel marker.," he said. "Also, a large cow stranded on an island in the Caloosahatchee."
(News Press - Oct 31, 2016)
