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 continue to experience 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 hundreds of cold stunned sea
turtles. Efforts are ongoing to rescue and triage the sea turtles then
transport for rehabilitation. So far, 66 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.
More than 60 sea turtles, ranging in size from two pounds to 200 pounds,
have been admitted to the critical care unit of the MSC. Ten juvenile
and sub-adult green sea turtles and two loggerhead sea turtles were admitted Tuesday, Jan. 12. The
additional sea turtles have required that the rehab area expand into the
exhibit gallery. Twelve sea turtles have been transported to a FWC
holding area where the sea turtles can be kept in water until the lagoon
system warms to releasable temperatures. Nearly another 20 are set
to be transported soon. Fifty-four sea turtles (50 green sea turtles and
four loggerhead sea turtles) are still being cared for at the MSC.
“The special care needed for cold-stun sea turtles, such as a warm,
temperature-controlled room, has required the expansion of our rehab
care area into a portion of the exhibit gallery,” said Ray Davis, MSC
manager. “The sea turtles are able to be seen by the public visiting our
facility.”
“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.”
“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. Click here to find out
how to be a volunteer.
Click images
below for large printable versions.
