At Cape Wildlife Center: Cold-stunned sea turtles
Caryn Ritchie
October through December is the time of year when sea turtles experience cold stunning. For the past 30 years, the numbers have been on the rise. Climate change appears to be a major factor in this increase. The waters are staying warmer longer, and getting warmer farther up the coast towards Maine.
The Kemp’s Ridley migration has extended into the Gulf of Maine. As long as the water is warm, the turtles stay longer, and when the temperatures drop they travel south, but because of their location, they can end up in Cape Cod Bay. The decrease in temperature along with strong winds cause them to stun and they are unable to swim. They get trapped in the hook shape on the bay and can’t escape. When they wash up on shore, they are hypothermic, and can appear dead.
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Experts say if Diamondback Terrapins are lured into blue crab traps, they can get stuck and drown. The FWC is considering a change to require traps that have a smaller opening or make it harder for the turtles to get in.
Diamondback Terrapins are edging their way toward the endangered species list. Some of the reasons include the creatures getting run over, sea-level rise, and habitat loss.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists the turtle as vulnerable to extinction due to its declining population. Michael Sole is a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) member. He says the state needs to step in.
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