Stay Alert For Cold-Stunned Aquatic Wildlife

Those visiting the Chesapeake Bay or Atlantic coast to be vigilant of sea turtles who exhibit signs of cold-stunning, a condition that causes animals to become debilitated and experience hypothermia-like symptoms due to prolonged exposure to cold temperatures. 

Cold-stunning typically occurs in late autumn and early winter when water temperatures begin to fall or when temperatures drop rapidly in a 24-hour period. Lethargic and unresponsive animals can be a danger to themselves and potentially to boaters. Cold-stunning can ultimately be lethal to certain species. 

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Stranding Response Program coordinates responses for all marine mammals and sea turtles that come ashore in Virginia, whether sick, injured, dead, or entangled/entrapped and unable to safely return to their natural habitat. Trained professionals examine each animal and, if alive, determine the most humane course of action for each unique case. This nationally-recognized team of staff, volunteers, and cooperating agencies works 24 hours every day and 365 days per year, responding to and providing exceptional medical care for live strandings, and biomedical and forensic examinations of dead stranded animals. Since the program’s inception more than 30 years ago, the team has responded to over 10,000 stranded marine mammals and sea turtles.

Stranding Network members respond to thousands of cold-stunned sea turtles along the Atlantic Coast annually. During the cold-stunning season, Stranding Response Program staff remain informed through weekly updates provided by NOAA. As of December 12, a total of 858 sea turtles have been reported nationwide, with most of them (more than 700 sea turtles) stranding in Massachusetts. 

While this condition typically affects sea turtles, West Indian Manatees are also susceptible and have occasionally been reported in Maryland during winter. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding Response Program responded to a deceased, cold-stunned manatee in late November 2016, which was found stranded at the Dundalk Marine Terminal.

Anyone who sees a lethargic, floating, debilitated, or deceased sea turtle or marine mammal in Virginia call Stranding Response at (757) 385-7575. In Maryland waters or stranded onshore should maintain a safe distance and call the Maryland Natural Resources Police Hotline at 800-628-9944. The hotline is maintained 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. 

Marine mammals are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, and sea turtles are protected under the Endangered Species Act. The harassment, feeding, or collection of these species or their parts can result in fines, imprisonment, and/or the seizure of vessels and personal property.