Mass Audubon: 10 dead sea turtles found around Cape Cod, Islands

After 10 dead loggerhead sea turtles were found around Cape Cod and the Islands, Mass Audubon is urging boaters to use extreme caution.

All the turtles were found on beaches or floating in local waters. Dead turtles washed ashore in Chatham, Yarmouth, Barnstable, Aquinnah and Tisbury on Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket, said Aaron Gouveia, the organization's public relations director.

At least five died from fatal vessel-strike wounds. Researchers are investigating the cause of death for the remaining sea turtles. Four species (loggerhead, Kemp's ridley, green and leatherback) of sea turtles feed in "our nutrient-rich waters during the summer," and boaters should be careful to not strike these endangered and threatened species, according to Mass Audubon.

Any sightings can be reported at seaturtlesightings.org or to 888-SEA-TURT (888-732-8878). The sighting data will be used to raise boater awareness and avoid additional deaths as well as aid sea turtle researchers and federal protected species regulators.

Zane Razzaq writes about housing and real estate. Reach her at zrazzaq@capecodonline.com. Follow her on X @zanerazz.

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