Ferocious waves stirred up by Hurricanes Humberto and Imelda in the Atlantic are crashing onto the shores of Florida, creating significant challenges for baby sea turtles.
The turbulent waters are making it difficult for newly hatched sea turtles to navigate, causing them to be pushed back to the beach and trapped in clumps of sargassum seaweed.
“They’re struggling to float and breathe properly,” shared Alyssa Hancock from the Marine Science Center with FOX 35 Orlando. “They get tossed around in those waves and can become entrenched in the sargassum. Once that seaweed washes ashore, they often find themselves stranded.”
A report by FOX 35 in Orlando revealed that Turtle Patrol Volusia discovered a juvenile green sea turtle on the beach, significantly injured with a large portion of its shell missing.
The turtle was quickly taken to the Marine Science Center in Ponce Inlet, but despite their efforts, it sadly did not survive.
However, this incident is just one of many as several turtles have been swept ashore.
The Marine Science Center reported that around 80 young sea turtles are currently under their care, recovering from the impacts of the hurricanes.
“When they wash up, they often appear very lethargic,” Hancock noted. “Once on land, they’re unable to return to the ocean by themselves.”
The baby sea turtles are receiving rehabilitation in calmer waters within a pool at the Marine Science Center.
The goal is for these turtles to regain their health and strength before being released back into the ocean.
“We provide them with fluids containing dextrose, which is a form of sugar, to help boost their energy,” Hancock explained. “Following that, we will trial them in shallow water to ensure they are stable and can take food.”
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Should you come across stranded sea turtles on the beach, the Marine Science Center advises that you contact them or the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
If you are in Brevard County and encounter a stranded turtle needing assistance, you can reach out to the Sea Turtle Preservation Society in Indialantic.
