Alert for Sea Turtles in Distress in New Jersey

The Marine Mammal Stranding Center (MMSC) in New Jersey has issued a warning regarding sea turtles facing cold-stunning due to recent cold-water upwelling affecting ocean temperatures. These unusual conditions, particularly noted in the southern part of the state, have dropped ocean temperatures to the upper 50’s and low 60’s, while Delaware Bay temperatures remain in the upper 70’s to low 80’s.

Sea turtles, which are reptiles, are highly susceptible to abrupt changes in water temperature. Exposure to water temperatures below 55 degrees can severely slow their metabolism, leading to immobility or a state that mimics death, known as cold-stunning. This condition can progressively worsen, impairing...