Turtles Tragedy: Sudden Water Temperature Drop Claims Lives of 73 Sea Turtles

On a tragic Sunday, one of the fatal impacts of climate change was witnessed when 73 helpless sea turtles died owing to a sharp decline in water temperature at North Carolina’s Outer Banks. The news comes directly from the source at Reader Wall, painting a bleak scenario with respect to marine life in extreme weather conditions.

Turtle Rescue Operation

The Center for Marine Sciences and Technology at N.C. State University collected 109 immobilized sea turtles from the beaches on the fateful day. However, the effort resulted in the survival of just 36 of these sea creatures, as per information revealed by the center on its social media account.

The public post continued to state, “The deceased turtles will contribute to research with their necropsy while the survivors are under observation and treatment at CMAST.”

The rescued turtles are due to be moved to the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores and the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in Topsail. They will continue the recovery process at these rehabilitation centers before being returned to their original dwelling in the ocean.

Previous Cold-Stunned Turtles Incident

In an earlier instance this year in January, another marine catastrophe struck when over 300 frigid-stunned turtles were discovered at Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Emergency veterinary assistance was procured with an intention of rescuing these distressed marine creatures. Chilling winters often stimulate sea turtles to move towards seasonally warm waters as stated by experts.

Experts further explain that the lowering of water temperature can lead turtles into a state of lethargy and hypothermia, known as ‘cold-stunned’. This condition can restrict them from swimming and eating. The combination of winds and tides often result in these cold-stunned turtles being washed up at Cape Lookout, as reported by Cape Lookout National Seashore.

Remarkable Rescue of Rare Sea Turtle

In an interim event back in August last year, a rare Kemp’s ridley sea turtle was found strayed away by the Gulf Stream, across the Atlantic. The turtle, named Tally, was flown back to her home in Texas with the assistance of the RAF, after receiving proper health care at the Anglesey Sea Zoo.

Speaking about this extraordinary rescue event, Gp Capt Matt Hoare, RAF Valley’s station commander, said, “Considering the repatriation, it’s worth noting that RAF Valley and RAF Northolt played a key role in helping save Tally, who represents one of the most endangered of all sea turtles in the world’s oceans. With only one in 1,000 reaching mature age, it’s almost impossible to think of a more threatened creature. We look forward to being able to monitor its progress.”

This incident implies the detrimental impact of extreme weather conditions on marine life and iterates the need for active animal rescues alongside measures to mitigate climate change.