Cape Cod Sea Turtle Stranding Network:
Cold-stunned Sea Turtles in Cape Cod Bay 1999-2000

by Kathryn Tuxbury¹, Brett Still^1,2, Robert Prescott¹, Cheryl Ryder³, Dennis Murley¹, Connie Merigo⁴, Cynthia Smith⁴, Beth Turnbull⁴

Massachusetts Audubon Society Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary

• Coordinates the Cape Cod Sea Turtle Stranding Network
• Audubon staff respond to all dead, injured, entangled and cold-stunned turtles in Cape Cod Bay
• An extensive network of volunteers has been expanded and organized to assist in stranding activities

Cold Stun Response

• Improved beach survey methods have resulted in an increase in the proportion of live turtles recovered off the beach over the past two decades

Beach Recovery Methods

• In Cape Cod Bay it is possible to predict where and when turtles will strand based on weather and tide conditions
• Stranding patrols are conducted as turtles strand at high tide, minimizing exposure
• Volunteers survey beaches during daytime high tides
• Audubon staff survey beaches during nighttime high tides
• Stranded turtles are moved above the high tide line and covered with eelgrass or beach grass and marked with beach debris
• Audubon staff retrieve turtles and bring them to the Sanctuary

Turtle Care at the Sanctuary

• Turtles are initially maintained within 5 ⁰F of their arrival temperature
• Carapace measurements, body weight and temperature, carapace anomalies, and animal condition are recorded
• Within 24 to 48 hours turtles are transported to the New England Aquarium for rehabilitation

Recovery Statistics for Peak Stranding Years, 1995 & 1999

• This Cold Stun Protocol has increased the proportion of turtles recovered alive off the beach: