Rising ocean temperatures lead to record cold-stunned sea turtle rescues in New England

In recent years, Cape Cod Bay in the United States has seen a dramatic increase in cold-stunned sea turtles, primarily due to climate change and rising ocean temperatures. The New England Aquarium, situated in Quincy, Massachusetts, has become a crucial facility for the treatment of these endangered reptiles, which often become stranded when they cannot migrate southward as winter approaches. Most of the turtles being treated are juveniles of the Kemp's ridley species, which is critically endangered and known to inhabit the Gulf of Mexico. Other species, including green turtles and loggerheads, also arrive for rehabilitation, albeit they are not as severely endangered. Throughout the last two decades, the number of sea turtles that wash ashore has surged, with more than 700 being reported in recent years compared to an average of around 200 in the early 2010s. As the temperature drops, these young turtles enter the bay seeking warmer waters but become trapped by colder conditions and stronger winds. Adam Kennedy, director of rescue and rehabilitation at the aquarium, notes that this phenomenon can be directly linked to climate change, which has altered migratory patterns, allowing turtles to access areas where they previously were less common. As of December 2024, over 200 cold-stunned turtles were admitted to the aquarium for care, with expectations that the number of rescued turtles could reach 400 by the end of the season. The symptoms exhibited by these sea turtles range from pneumonia to dehydration and sepsis, highlighting the dangers they face in their marine environment. The aquarium has worked diligently to treat these animals, with a recovery rate of approximately 80%. Safe rehabilitation and eventual release of these turtles back into their natural habitat is the ultimate goal of the organization. The increasing stranding incidents are alarming, as this reflects broader ecological changes occurring due to climate shifts. The rise in rehabilitated turtles indicates a significant conservation challenge, emphasizing the urgent need for collective action in addressing climate change impacts on marine ecosystems. Continued efforts at facilities like the New England Aquarium are essential for preserving not only the Kemp's ridley turtles but also other species affected by the same environmental threats.