USGS scientists coordinate rescue of more than 60 sea turtles in cold weather

The recent drop in temperatures across the Florida Panhandle has prompted the U.S. Geological Survey to partner with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on a sea turtle rescue effort.

Between January 17 and 24, 2024, scientists with the U.S. Geological Survey helped recover and transport more than 60 frozen sea turtles from St. Joseph Bay, Florida, to Gulf World Marine Institute, where they will be rehabilitated and released back into the Gulf of Mexico once water temperatures warm.

Margaret Lamont, a research biologist with the U.S. Geological Survey who has studied sea turtles for nearly 30 years, explained that when cold-blooded turtles become too cold, they can’t swim or even lift their heads out of the water to breathe. This can cause the protected animals to either drown or be pushed to shore, unable to defend themselves against predators.

“It’s literally like you’re really, really cold and you can’t move your fingers or toes,” Lamont explained.

During their recovery at Gulf World Marine Research Institute, veterinary staff there provided the necessary medical care to save the turtles. This recovery time also gave researchers the opportunity to obtain data on the animals.

Lamont said the massive deaths of sea turtles caused by the cold weather could have lasting effects on already damaged sea turtle populations.

“Since we first implemented a large-scale cold strike in 2001, the mortality rate from such incidents has dropped significantly as we have learned the most effective responses and improved our responses,” she explained, noting that without human intervention, many more turtles would likely have died.

Florida is home to the three species of sea turtles rescued in the operation: green turtles, Kemp’s ridley turtles and loggerhead sea turtles. Lamont noted that rescues like this one are not planned in advance but are in response to the continued cold water temperatures.

While the USGS and other organizations are actively coordinating efforts to recover the frightened turtle, Lamont explained that if the public encounters a sea turtle in distress, they should not touch it, but instead call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s 24-hour wildlife alert number at 1-888-404-FWCC (1-888-404-3922).

Lamont expressed his gratitude to all the volunteers who help put on events like these and the cooperation that is necessary to make them happen.

Other volunteers involved in the rescue effort included the Indian Passage Turtle Patrol, St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, Reish State Parks and the Florida Coastal Conservancy.

“We need a lot of volunteers to run an event like this. It’s been an amazing collaboration and so valuable for us. Everyone has come together – I can’t stress that enough,” she said.

To learn more about USGS sea turtle research, visit the USGS Sea Turtle Project page: https://www.usgs.gov/centers/wetland-and-aquatic-research-center/science/science-topics/sea-turtles.