What is cold-stunning for sea turtles and why does it happen in Cape Cod?

Cold-stunning occurs when sea turtles are caught in sudden drops in water temperature during migration. The hook shape of Cape Cod Bay can trap these stunned turtles, causing them to wash ashore.

How do aquarists from The Deep help endangered sea turtles?

Aquarists from The Deep volunteer in the US to rescue cold-stunned sea turtles, working in harsh conditions to save stranded individuals and help them recover.

What are the survival rates for sea turtles rescued in this project?

The conservation project has a high success rate, with survival rates for rescued turtles typically ranging from 80% to 90%.

Home / Environment / Hull Aquarists Brave Arctic Cold for Sea Turtle Rescue

Hull Aquarists Brave Arctic Cold for Sea Turtle Rescue

11 Jan

•

Summary

Aquarists traveled to the US to help rescue cold-stunned sea turtles.
Volunteers worked in extreme temperatures as low as -25C to save stranded turtles.
The conservation project has a survival rate of 80-90% for rescued creatures.

Hull Aquarists Brave Arctic Cold for Sea Turtle Rescue

Two dedicated aquarists from The Deep aquarium in Hull, UK, recently journeyed to the United States to participate in a vital conservation mission. Their efforts focused on rescuing critically endangered sea turtles along their migration routes, particularly those affected by "cold-stunning" in the waters off Cape Cod. This annual event sees turtles become incapacitated by sudden temperature drops as they travel south.

The volunteers, Shoshana Levine and Gavin Clarke, endured extreme conditions, working in temperatures as low as -25C (-13F). They navigated miles of beaches to find and rescue stranded turtles, including vulnerable species like Kemp's ridley, leatherback, green, and loggerhead turtles. These creatures often arrive at the rescue center without a heartbeat but can make full recoveries.