Hurricanes Impact Young Sea Turtles on Florida’s Coast

The recent Atlantic Hurricanes, Humbel and Imelda, have created tumultuous conditions along Florida’s coastline, severely affecting baby sea turtles. Many newly hatched turtles are finding themselves struggling to navigate the extensive piles of Sargassum seaweed.

Alyssa Hancock from the Marine Science Center noted the challenges these turtles face, saying, “They just can’t float and breathe. They are actually rolling in with those waves and getting stuck in the seaweed.”

In one instance, Turtle Patrol Volusia discovered a young green sea turtle on the beach missing a significant part of its shell. Despite immediate efforts to assist at the Marine Science Center in Ponce Inlet, the turtle sadly did not survive.

It’s worth mentioning that this turtle isn’t alone. The Marine Science Center currently has around 80 young turtles under their care, all needing rehabilitation after the hurricanes.

“We actually make them pretty lethargic,” Hancock explained. “Once they’re washed away, they can’t return to the ocean on their own.”

The baby turtles are now recuperating in calmer waters within the center’s pool, with hopes that they will eventually be strong enough to return to the sea.

To aid their recovery, Hancock has been providing them with a liquid solution containing dextrose for energy, and they will be tested in shallower water to ensure they are able to eat properly.

The Marine Science Center has encouraged anyone who spots a stranded turtle on the beach to reach out, either to them or the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Board. In Brevard County, the Indian Sea Turtle Preservation Association is also available to help turtles in distress.