In Florida, something unusual is happening. The ocean temperature has dropped sharply, reaching the low 50s, and it’s creating big problems for sea turtles. These cold-blooded creatures, which cannot control their body temperature, are facing a life-threatening condition called cold stunning. This condition makes turtles weak, almost lifeless, and they struggle to survive when the water temperature falls too fast.
The cold-blooded sea turtles are in trouble due to what’s called “cold stunning.” This happens when the water temperature decreases quickly, and turtles become too cold to move or survive. When this occurs, their body functions slow down significantly, making them look like they are frozen in place. They often float to the surface of the water, vulnerable to predators and boats. If untreated, these turtles could face severe health issues like pneumonia, frostbite, and infections. In some cases, they die.
This year, the problem is especially bad in Florida. Normally, sea turtles affected by cold stunning are found in colder areas like New England. But this year, a surprising number of turtles were found off the coast of Florida, which has raised concerns among experts.
The team at Mote Marine’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital has been working hard to save the turtles. They received 22 juvenile green turtles for treatment in just the past few days. Mote Marine’s facility was shut down for several months due to hurricane damage but reopened quickly to care for the turtles. In partnership with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), they have been rescuing and treating sea turtles all along the coast. This teamwork is vital for saving these endangered animals.
What Happens When Sea Turtles Get Cold Stunned?
Sea turtles, like all reptiles, rely on their environment to regulate their body temperature. When the ocean temperature drops too quickly, they cannot warm up on their own. This makes them extremely weak and unable to move, which can lead to their death if they aren’t rescued quickly. Often, these cold-stunned turtles are found just floating on the water, unable to swim or dive, and are at high risk for boat strikes, being attacked by predators, or simply being swept away.
Experts say that when the turtles are rescued, they are immediately taken to rehabilitation centers where they are slowly warmed back to a healthy temperature. At Mote Marine’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital, the turtles are put into tanks with water that is gradually heated over several days until it reaches a safe temperature of around 79 to 80 degrees. This slow warming process helps the turtles recover without causing additional harm to their fragile bodies.
Treatment and Care for Cold Stunned Turtles
Once the turtles are warmed up, a team of experts closely monitors their health. The turtles are given a complex diet to help them regain their strength, which includes capelin (a type of fish), squid, shrimp, lettuce, and sea grass. This special diet helps the turtles get the nutrients they need to heal. The turtles are also given regular check-ups to make sure their body functions are returning to normal. During their stay at the rehabilitation hospital, the turtles are also carefully observed to ensure they are breathing properly and are able to move their flippers again.
Turtles that are treated in Mote’s rehabilitation hospital usually stay for about a month, although the exact length of stay depends on the turtle’s recovery. Once the turtles are strong enough, they are released back into the wild, ready to continue their journey in the ocean. So far, more than 1,200 sea turtles have been rescued during this cold stunning season, but experts are concerned that the number could rise as the weather continues to be unpredictable.
The Importance of Protecting Sea Turtles
Mote Marine’s spokesperson, Kathryn Gentile, said that they believe every turtle matters. “We take our responsibility seriously,” she said. “Every turtle we can save is one step closer to keeping this endangered species alive.”
This cold stunning event serves as an important reminder of how vulnerable sea turtles are to changes in their environment. While the event happens every few years, the number of turtles affected this year has raised concerns. In 2010, Florida experienced a similar cold stunning event, where over 5,000 turtles were stranded. This year, though the numbers are not yet that high, the sudden increase in cold-stunned turtles along Florida’s east coast has experts worried.
Sea turtles play a vital role in the ocean ecosystem, and it is important to ensure they are protected. While the cold stunning event is a natural part of the environment, climate change and rising temperatures can make these events more frequent and severe. It is up to people, organizations, and governments to continue to support efforts to protect and save sea turtles and other endangered wildlife.
(Source: newsbreak.com)
