Warming Temperatures Bring Relief to Cold-Stunned Sea Turtles in Florida
As spring approaches, heralding the promise of warmer temperatures, Florida’s marine ecosystem rejoices with the release of a group of sea turtles back into their ocean home. These remarkable creatures endured a month-long rehabilitation journey at the Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach after succumbing to cold stunning, a debilitating condition that strikes when water temperatures plummet.
Cold stunning arises when turtles are exposed to prolonged periods of frigid conditions below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, leading to compromised mobility and immune system. The turtles become lethargic, unable to feed themselves or swim, and eventually succumb to infections or other health complications.
The recent wave of cold stunning in Florida was triggered by a sharp drop in ocean temperatures, with several parts of the state experiencing sub-freezing weather in recent weeks. As a result, 17 sea turtles were discovered stranded along Florida’s northeastern Atlantic Coast late last month, either floating in the water or washed up on land.
These turtles, ranging in size and species, presented with various ailments, including pneumonia, viral diseases, skin infections, parasites, dehydration, and weight loss. Dr. Heather Barron, a lead veterinarian at the Loggerhead Marinelife Center, explained that they required intensive care, including antibiotics, fluids, and intravenous feeding.
"This winter, we’ve seen nearly 50 sea turtles suffering from cold stunning in the area," said Barron. "That’s about five times our typical total, likely due to the colder temperatures."
While many of the sea turtles have stabilized, some remain in critical condition, necessitating additional treatment. "Some turtles are surviving but not thriving in the wild," said Barron. "One cold snap can put them over the edge."
One particular turtle, a male, suffered from severe shark bite wounds and multiple tumors. Despite missing part of his shell, Barron expressed optimism about his recovery. "He’s alive, and he should be back in the water in a couple of weeks," she said.
The Loggerhead Marinelife Center staff remains vigilant, closely monitoring the turtles still in their care for any secondary effects of cold stunning, such as infections, tissue necrosis, and eye ulcers. Once the turtles have fully recovered, they are carefully placed back into the ocean by U.S. Fish and Wildlife crews.
In addition to the 50 cold-stunned sea turtles treated by Barron and her colleagues, the facility also extended care to 20 turtles transported from the New England Aquarium in Boston. These turtles were rescued from Cape Cod Bay, where they became stranded due to frigid temperatures during their southward migration along the Atlantic coast.
After receiving treatment for hypothermia-related conditions and other illnesses, 10 of these New England turtles were released into the Canaveral National Seashore in Florida. The turtles were tagged to track their migration patterns and identify them if they returned to Cape Cod.
Dr. Jeff Schmid, an environmental research manager at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, emphasizes the significance of the rescue mission conducted by Florida veterinarians. "The number of cold-stunned turtles recovered along the New England coast has been rising over the past 20 years," said Schmid. "This is a potential indication of the extreme temperatures being spurred by climate change."
As rising sea temperatures alter the migration patterns of turtles, there is a greater risk of them becoming stranded in colder conditions. "Many of these turtles are considered either threatened or endangered," said Schmid. "While they are not on the verge of extinction, they are still not out of the woods yet."
The release of these rehabilitated sea turtles into the ocean symbolizes a glimmer of hope for these ancient creatures. Their resilience amidst adversity serves as a testament to the importance of conservation efforts aimed at protecting marine wildlife from environmental threats. As the sun warms Florida’s shores and waters, the sea turtles will continue their journey, carrying with them the scars of their ordeal but also the promise of renewed vigor and a brighter future.
