Sea turtle facilities and aquariums nationwide are tending to sea turtles that have washed up on beaches during the winter months, as the season draws to a close with a surge in strandings along Florida’s east coast. The number of turtle strandings in Central Florida’s east coast has peaked significantly, with 142 reported cases through mid-March, tripling the averages from the past five to ten years in Brevard County, as per the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Data also indicates a noticeable rise in strandings elsewhere. In recent years, turtle strandings have been on the rise, with Massachusetts experiencing a threefold increase between 2019-2023 compared to 2009-2013. Similar trends have been observed along Canada’s Atlantic Coast.
Experts are uncertain about the exact reasons behind the escalating incidents, but suggest a mix of factors such as growing turtle populations, changing climate patterns, water temperatures, and human-related impacts like vessel collisions and marine debris entanglement may be contributing. The unusually cold temperatures that gripped the East Coast in January exacerbated the situation. Sea turtles, being cold-blooded creatures, struggle to cope with temperatures below 50 degrees, leading to lethargy and vulnerability. Cold-stunned turtles may be pushed ashore by winds and currents or face the risk of drowning. Prolonged exposure to cold water can impact their circulation, organs, and immune systems.
By late March, the winter temperatures had fluctuated, with the average temperatures ranking among the warmest in 95 years of records. Despite this, sea surface temperature readings continue to reveal pockets of cooler-than-usual water along the coast. This pattern, evident in satellite images, persists along the East Coast.
In Florida, the number of sea turtle strandings began to rise sharply in mid-February, exceeding the 10-year average by 65% by the end of the month. Although the cumulative count of stranded turtles has decreased to approximately 43% of the 10-year average, the trend is concerning. Most of the stranded turtles along the northeast Florida coast are juvenile green turtles, known to frequent shallow coastal areas in search of algae. The surge in green turtle populations in Florida, particularly in nesting sites, has led to more juveniles in the waters of the southeastern US states, making them more vulnerable to such phenomena.
The situation highlights the need for continued monitoring and conservation efforts to safeguard the sea turtle populations against these emerging challenges and threats.
Strandings of sea turtles have been observed along the northeast coast of Florida in the late winter and early spring months, according to statements by experts. One possible explanation for the lethargic or deceased turtles found washing up is that they may struggle to find food as they navigate the waters. Biologists have noted that the winter temperatures in these waters can push the limits of what green turtles can endure. While an increase in strandings in Brevard County is considered unusual, it is more common in the counties to the north, as explained by a biologist with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission. By the end of winter or early spring, green turtles that have been exposed to cold waters for an extended period may become stranded. Investigations into the cause of these strandings have been a collaborative effort between the FWC and a veterinary pathologist from NOAA. Despite examinations revealing no major injuries or signs of infectious diseases, the strandings do not appear to be linked to harmful algal blooms.
In another region, off the coast of New England, sea turtles face challenges during the cooler months. The unique shape of Cape Cod Bay can trap turtles as the water cools, leading to decreased feeding, slowed body functions, and weakened immune systems. Sea turtle stranding networks work diligently to collect and transport stranded turtles to certified facilities for care, such as the Sea Turtle Hospital in Quincy, Massachusetts. Turtles in long-term care at the facility have been given names inspired by Greek mythology, reflecting the significance of their recovery journey.
Recent legislative efforts in the U.S. Senate aim to provide support for stranded sea turtles, particularly in Massachusetts and nationwide. A bill introduced by Senator Edward J. Markey seeks to establish funding for the rescue, recovery, and research of sea turtles. This proposed legislation would create a grant program to allocate funds for these efforts, with a focus on aiding both the rescuers and the endangered sea turtles. The bill has garnered bipartisan support and highlights the growing concern over the increasing number of sea turtle strandings and the need for conservation efforts to protect these majestic creatures.
Sure! Here is a revised version of the text: This article was first published by The Daytona Beach News-Journal and is also available on USA TODAY: Increase in sea turtle strandings in Florida – What is causing this trend?
