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Jan. 6, 2010
Michelle Coats, APR, CPRC
Community Information Specialist

Marine Science Center experiences influx of cold-stunned sea turtles and birds

With the ocean, river and lagoon water temperatures dropping along the United States Atlantic and Gulf coasts, Volusia County Marine Science Center (MSC) rehabilitation specialists are experiencing an influx of threatened and endangered sea turtles that become paralyzed by the cold. An increase in cold-affected sea birds is under way as well.

The MSC is part of a “stranding network” of facilities that accept and rehabilitate stranded sea turtles and seabirds. Today, from the Indian River Lagoon and Mosquito Lagoon systems in Brevard County, Florida Wildlife Commission (FWC) has rescued at least 90 cold stunned sea turtles. Approximately half of the rescued sea turtles have been triaged and transported for rehabilitation. So far, at least 10 sea turtles in critical condition were transported to the MSC to begin intensive care. More critical care sea turtles are expected to arrive at MSC.

“In the first six days of 2010, 29 birds have been brought to the MSC,” said Rachelle LeBlanc, bird rehabilitation specialist. “Last year, 16 birds came in during the same time period. We have received a wide variety of birds, including 12 brown pelicans, four northern gannets, three laughing gulls and two common loons.”

“Cold-stunning” causes sea turtles to become immobile due to the dramatic decrease in water and air temperatures. The sea turtles wash up on our beaches or along the shores of our lagoons, rivers and can often been seen floating at the surface of the water. A cold-stunned sea turtle may appear to be dead, but may be alive. Without proper intervention, a cold-stunned sea turtle will die. With coastal temperatures dipping into the 20’s locally, more birds and sea turtles will be affected by the extreme cold and brought to the MSC.

Most cold-stunned turtles have low body temperatures - sometimes 20 degrees below average. Saving them takes expertise.

“When the sea turtles arrive a thorough health assessment is conducted. Besides slow warming, treatment can include warm fluids and medications,” said Michelle Bauer, MSC sea turtle rehabilitation specialist. For this event, the MSC is accepting the critical care sea turtles such as those with serious respiratory problems and wounds.

“Sea turtles aren’t seen on the beach at this time of year,” said Bauer. “If you see one, it’s most likely in trouble.”
LeBlanc added that any bird that can be approached most likely is in trouble. Since birds can peck and carry lice, she suggests leaving the bird alone and calling for help.

If you see an injured or sickened sea turtle or bird, please call the Florida Wildlife Commission (FWC) at (888) 404-FWCC (3922) or the Volusia County Beach Patrol (386) 239-6484 or (386) 756-7491. Do not put them in a warm place or car. People should not try to warm the turtles because it can send them into advanced shock.

The Marine Science Center is in need of towels, blankets and sheets to care for the influx of sea turtles and birds. Donations can be dropped off at the MSC.