Boaters at Cape and Islands urged to exercise ‘extreme caution’ after 10 loggerhead turtles found dead

Loggerhead Sea Turtles Succumb to Ship StrikesLoggerhead Sea Turtles Succumb to Ship Strikes Fatal Injuries Prompts Awareness Campaign Seven loggerhead sea turtles have been found dead or injured on local beaches and waters due to collisions with ships. Mass Audubon, an environmental group, has issued a statement urging boat owners to exercise caution to prevent further fatalities. Sea Turtles Vulnerable to Ship Traffic Loggerhead sea turtles feed in the nutrient-rich waters of the region during summer. They are particularly vulnerable to ship strikes when at or near the surface. Areas with heavy boat traffic pose a higher risk, especially for adult loggerheads and nesting females. Mass Audubon’s Monitoring and Rescue Efforts Mass Audubon monitors sea turtle sightings and conducts rescue operations for turtles stunned by cold temperatures. The organization has a hotline for reporting sightings, which helps raise awareness and prevent additional deaths. Government Protection and Research All sea turtles in US waters are federally protected. Mass Audubon’s work is conducted under a US Fish and Wildlife Service permit. Researchers use sighting data to understand sea turtle distribution and population trends. NOAA Warns of Increasing Ship Strike Threat NOAA Fisheries highlights the ongoing threat posed by ship strikes to loggerhead sea turtles. The organization emphasizes that measures must be taken to reduce collisions and protect these endangered species. Call to Action for Boaters Mass Audubon urges boaters to be vigilant and report any sea turtle sightings to their hotline. By reporting sightings, boaters can contribute to conservation efforts and help prevent further deaths. Contact Information For more information about sea turtles and Mass Audubon’s rescue efforts, visit massaudubon.org/seaturtles or call their hotline at 888-SEA-TURT (888-732-8878).

“The sea turtles, all loggerheads, were found on beaches or floating in local waters,” the statement said. “At least five died from fatal injuries from ship strikes, and investigators are investigating the cause of death for the remaining sea turtles.”

As a result, Mass Audubon said, the group reminds boat owners that sea turtles forage in the region’s “nutrient-rich waters” each summer.

Sailors are urged to “exercise extra caution and keep a lookout ahead of their vessels to avoid collisions with these endangered species, and to report any sightings to our hotline,” the group said.

Boaters who spot the government-protected turtles can report their sightings online at seaturtlesightings.org or by calling 888-SEA-TURT (888-732-8878).

The environmental group said the “date, location and species of the controlled sighting will be recorded in the hope of raising awareness among boaters and preventing additional deaths.”

According to Mass Audubon, sea turtle researchers and federal wildlife watchdogs also use the sighting data.

“Mass Audubon’s sea turtle work is conducted under a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service permit, as all sea turtles in U.S. waters are federally protected,” the group said. “More information about the hotline and our work to rescue sea turtles stunned by fall cold can be found at massaudubon.org/seaturtles.”

According to the federal NOAA Fisheries website, ship strikes continue to pose a continuing threat to loggerhead fishers.

“Ship strikes pose a significant threat to loggerhead turtles near developed coastlines throughout their range,” the site says. “Several types of vessels can strike loggerhead turtles when they are at or near the surface, potentially resulting in injury or death. In the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, loggerhead turtle deaths from ship strikes are increasing.”

The NOAA site says areas with heavy boat traffic, such as marinas and inlets, pose a higher risk. Adult loggerheads, especially nesting females, are more susceptible to ship strikes during breeding migrations and while close to shore during nesting season.

Travis Andersen can be reached at [email protected].