Rising Number of Cold-Stunned Sea Turtles Along Northeast Coastline: How Local Facilities are Responding

In recent years, many sea turtles have been found stranded off the North East coastline during winter. These turtles, which usually migrate south for the winter, have been getting trapped along the Cape Cod coast, unable to reach warmer waters. As their body temperatures decrease, they become weak and inactive, a condition known as “cold-stunning.” Without help, these animals could perish. Mass Audubon data shows that the number of cold-stunned sea turtles in the Northeast has risen over the past decade, and this trend is likely to continue. By 2031, it is estimated that over 2,300 sea turtles may experience cold stunning annually on Cape Cod.

Last year, over 200 sea turtles were taken to the Sea Turtle Hospital at the New England Aquarium for treatment. Turtles affected by cold-stunning need to be treated and cared for, usually for several weeks, before they can be released back into the ocean. Due to the high number of turtles needing care, some are moved to secondary rehabilitation facilities around the East Coast, such as the Georgia Aquarium. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) coordinates transportation and facilities for these turtles, with Turtles Fly Too assisting in transport needs.

There are 15 sea turtle rehabilitation facilities in the United States, including the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. These facilities, along with several partner facilities, care for cold stun patients during the winter months. The Georgia Aquarium, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, and other organizations all contribute to this effort each year.

The Georgia Sea Turtle Center focuses on education, research, and rehabilitation of sick and injured animals. Since 2007, the Center has assisted over 3,000 sick, stranded, or injured turtles. The Georgia Sea Turtle Center and Georgia Aquarium have been partners since 2016, providing long-term care for cold-stunned sea turtles and their eventual release back into the ocean.

The rehabilitation process for these turtles varies case-by-case. Cold-stunned patients undergo a slow rewarming process. Rapid temperature increase can cause stress or shock. Patients also receive supportive care including blood work, radiographs, diagnostics, and wound management. Once their temperatures are stable and they regain strength, veterinary staff clear the turtles for release. The recovery timeline and eventual release depend on the turtle’s health and response to care. Some turtles, depending on their injury, require routine care or physical therapy. Some are transferred to a long-term care facility and serve as educational animals. In March 2024, Georgia Aquarium and the Georgia Sea Turtle Center successfully released eight sea turtles back into the ocean.

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