Low water temperatures can have a dramatic impact on Florida's sea
Florida's shallow bays and estuaries provide important habitats
for threatened and endangered sea turtles. Adults and juveniles of
three species-loggerhead, green and Kemp's ridley-can be found
throughout the year in these salty bodies of water. Green sea
turtles in particular find their primary food, seagrass and
seaweed, here while loggerheads and Kemp's ridleys search for
crabs, mollusks, and other crustaceans.
What causes cold-stunning of sea turtles?
Unlike marine mammals such as dolphins or manatees, sea turtles
cannot keep themselves warm-their body temperature varies with the
surrounding water. As water temperatures drop in coastal lagoons
and bays, many sea turtles will move through inlets and passes to
warmer water offshore or to the south. A very rapid drop in the air
and water temperature can trap sea turtles in the shallower coastal
waters. They can become inactive, settling close to the bottom or
in deeper water within the estuary.
By staying close to or within the sandy or muddy bottom, some
sea turtles may be able to withstand short cold spells. However, at
very low temperatures (less than 50o Fahrenheit
[10o C]) these cold-blooded animals may become lethargic
or "stunned." Smaller sea turtles are the first to feel the effects
of the cold, but if the temperature stays low for too long, larger
sea turtles will also be affected. A cold-stunned turtle is not
able to move very well, if at all. They may be pushed by strong
winds or currents onto the shore or into marsh areas, or just float
at the water's surface.
What should I do if I see a cold-stunned sea
If you see a cold-stunned or stranded sea turtle, please contact
the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).
Recent cold-stunning events
In January 2010, an unusually long spell of cold weather in
Florida led to a statewide sea turtle cold-stunning event. For more
information on this event, please see the article January
2010 Statewide Sea Turtle Cold-Stunning Event.