Sea Turtles

As water temperatures begin to rise in late spring and early summer, the waters of New York become more suitable for sea turtles. During these warm months, four species of sea turtles can be found: green, Kemp's ridley, leatherback and loggerhead sea turtles (see table below). They remain local to New York from approximately May through November and are particularly fond of the warmer waters in coastal bays and the Long Island Sound. By the end of November, they begin their migration south to warmer nesting waters.

Threats

There are many significant and increasing threats to sea turtles throughout their range. Some common threats of concern in New York are:

Vessel Strikes and Fishing Gear

When sea turtles are at the surface to breathe, or while feeding or mating in shallow areas, they can be injured or even killed from blunt-force trauma by moving vessels. Vessel strikes are likely to occur more often than reported, so it is important for vessel operators and crew to keep an eye out for sea turtles and other marine animals to avoid collisions. Sea turtles can become trapped and drown in fishing gear that is submerged underwater, or become entangled in ropes resulting in serious injuries that may affect their ability to feed, swim and reproduce. The Atlantic Marine Conservation Society staff is trained in sea turtle disentanglement.

Marine Pollution

Marine debris is known to be mistaken for prey and consumed by sea turtles. Ingestion of items like plastic bags can cause blockages, starvation, and other digestive injuries that may eventually lead to death.

Coastal development can degrade or destroy important sea turtle habitat such as eelgrass beds. In addition to increased cold-stun risk, climate change is altering physical ocean properties like salinity and oxygen levels, which can cause shifts in the range, abundance, and quality of prey. Perhaps most importantly, changes in ocean currents could affect sea turtle migration and the survival of oceanic-stage juveniles, of which very little information is known.

Climate Change

The Northeast US is experiencing more rapid change in the form of rising water temperature than any other place on earth. As a result of this climate change impact, warmer water temperatures cause sea turtles to remain in the area longer than usual. When there is a sudden drop in water temperature before sea turtles migrate out of the area, they can fall victim to cold-stunning, a hypothermic condition that results in a lethargic state. Unless the turtles wash ashore and are rescued by stranding groups, cold-stunning often results in mortality.

For information on marine life stranding groups visit, the New York Marine Rescue Center and Atlantic Marine Conservation Society.

For more information about these and other threats, please visit the NOAA Fisheries Threats to Sea Turtles webpage.

Sea Turtle Stranding Response and Research

DEC works closely with partners from federal agencies and non-profit organizations on the monitoring and conservation of sea turtles. With authorization by NOAA Fisheries, the NY Marine Rescue Center (NYMRC) and the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society (AMSEAS) work together to respond to stranded sea turtles. They conduct these activities under contract with DEC and authorization by NOAA Fisheries, and help to provide entanglement and stranding data to DEC.

• Acoustic and satellite tags are used by NYMRC to track the behavior and movement patterns of sea turtles being released after rehabilitation. Tracking data derived from these tags allows NYMRC and DEC to better understand habitat use by sea turtles in New York waters and to determine if the animal was successfully rehabilitated.
• Sea turtle sightings are also recorded during the New York Bight Whale Monitoring Program aerial survey.

New York Bight Sea Turtle Workshop

The New York Ocean Action Plan (OAP) identified the need to improve understanding about the abundance, distribution and behavior of sea turtles across the New York Bight. DEC is currently working on developing and implementing a comprehensive monitoring plan for sea turtles in the New York Bight. An experts' workshop was held in the winter of 2018 to identify the best monitoring methods. To learn more about this effort, view the Summary Report of the New York Bight Sea Turtle Workshop (PDF).

What To Do If You Encounter a Stranded Sea Turtle

Call the NYS 24-Hour Stranding Hotline at (631) 369-9829
Sea turtles that come onshore in New York are cold-stunned and need medical attention. Immediately call the Stranding Hotline and relay as much information as possible. If you leave a voice message, be sure to include very specific directions and information, as well as your name and phone number so the responders can reach you if they have any questions.

1. Do not put the turtle back in the water
   Please do NOT touch the animal, put the animal back in the water, or remove the animal from the beach. These are federally protected animals and are only to be handled by authorized personnel. Cold-stunned sea turtles are lethargic; they can easily drown if placed back in the water. Any further sudden changes in temperature can lead to death.
2. Note the location of the sea turtle and if possible, mark the location
   The rescue team needs a detailed explanation of where the animal is located. If possible, write down the coordinates and/or mark the turtle's location with something, such as a stick or driftwood, that will be easy for the team to find.