Grant: 21-033C
Project Title: CO2 Surgical Laser for the Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospitals at Mote Marine Laboratory
Project Manager: Gretchen Lovewell
Organization: Mote Marine Laboratory (Non-Profit Organization)
Grant Amount: $16,095.00
Completion Date: 2022-05-31

Summary: This grant will be used to replace the antiquated CO2 Surgical Laser. The current laser has served is no longer eligible year for the extended service agreement and is in danger of a catastrophic failure. This unit is almost exclusively used for the removal of tumors from sea turtles suffering with fibropapillomatosis and we seek to replace it to maintain the high quality of care afforded to sea turtle patients treated at Mote Marine Laboratory.

Results: The surgical laser was received August 9, 2021 and has been used nine times on seven green sea turtles suffering with fibropapillomatosis from time of receipt through April 30, 2022 with an additional surgery conducted in May 2022. The support from the Sea Turtle Grants Program is highlighted on Mote's website and signage is posted on the hospital.