Green Turtle, Chelonia mydas, with fibropapilloma tumors. Maui, Hawaii, 2000

This is one of those tragedies caused by the activities of man. The tumors infect sea turtles around Florida and Hawaii. It is believed they are the result of chemical runoff from agricultural and industrial activities.

The tumors grow from the soft tissue between the skin scales and around the eyes, and can grow so large they can blind the turtle. The butterfly fish have been known to feed on the tumors.

Work is being done in Florida to help the turtles by capturing them and surgically removing the tumors, which at least temporarily reduces the problem.