Stranding and Outcome Data for Cold-Stunned Sea Turtles in Massachusetts, 2008–2022: Evolution of Management Methods in Response to Increasing Caseload and the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Over a 15-yr period (2008–2022), 7802 cold-stunned sea turtles were found stranded in Massachusetts, of which 5028 (64%) were found alive. Annual stranding numbers increased over time. Species composition included 87% Kemp’s ridley turtles (Lepidochelys kempii, of which 64% were alive), 8.2% loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta, of which 68% were alive), 4.5% green turtles (Chelonia mydas, of which 67% were alive), 0.3% undetermined species (of which 46% were alive), and 1 deceased hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata). Live turtles were medically stabilized at a primary care facility, after which most turtles (70%) were transferred to secondary care facilities for further care, while others remained at the primary care facility to complete rehabilitation. Overall, 76% of turtles admitted alive were released to the wild after rehabilitation, generally within 3 to 8 mo of stranding, including 75% of Kemp’s ridley turtles, 86% of loggerhead turtles, and 78% of green turtles. Most deaths for all species occurred at the primary care facility within the first 4 days of hospitalization. After stabilization and transfer to secondary facilities, 91% of Kemp’s ridleys, 97% of loggerheads, and 96% of green turtles were later released. Medical management protocols were adjusted over time because of the increasing caseload and the COVID-19 pandemic, yet success rates remained high. This study indicates that rescue and rehabilitation of cold-stunned turtles in Massachusetts results in a high rate of release to the wild, and that management protocols can be thoughtfully refined to retain high success rates despite increasing caseload and operational restrictions.

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