CCC Takes Action To Help Cold Stunned Turtles

As freezing winter temperatures put Florida’s sea turtles at risk, CCC is stepping in to help conservation groups across the state deal with this crisis.

Sea turtles are generally attracted to Florida’s warm waters and rich food sources, but this winter Florida is experiencing some of the lowest temperatures in 20 years. As temperatures drop, cold-blooded sea turtles become almost catatonic, which makes it difficult for them to swim and surface for air. In this cold-stunned state, turtles can catch pneumonia or even drown if they are not rescued in time.

CCC’s work in Florida normally focuses on research, education and advocacy, but many small organizations and aquariums around Florida that are specifically set up and permitted to respond to stranded or injured sea turtles are struggling to cope with the large influx of cold-stunned turtles. These facilities are now beyond their capacity to care for turtles, and CCC is taking action to help respond to this crisis affecting sea turtles.

To help care for cold stunned turtles from the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge, CCC is working with our Brevard County partners to house and care for nearly 100 affected turtles at the Barrier Island Center. Staff members from CCC’s Gainesville headquarters are assisting state and federal wildlife officials to care for over 1,000 stunned turtles being housed at the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge in Titusville, Florida.

CCC also is preparing to distribute at least $20,000 in emergency funding, available through the Sea Turtle Grants Program, to local groups and rehabilitation centers in order to help cover unexpected financial needs associated with this crisis. These much needed funds will be used for shelter, supplies and medicine to care for the turtles.

Press Release: Caribbean Conservation Corporation, January 13, 2010, www.cccturtle.org

… read the full Release at: https://conserveturtles.org/10671-2/