The Saviors of the Sea Turtles
Though you may never cast your eyes upon one, five different species of
sea turtles swim through the waters of Cape Cod during the summer months. These
typically tropical creatures travel along the Eastern Coast of the United
States in search of food and return to warmer climates before the winter
months. Loggerheads, green turtles, leatherbacks, hawksbills, and
ridleys all share traits that differ from their terrestrial relatives.
Sea turtles have a top shell (carapace) and a bottom shell (plastron). They are unable to hide in their shells like land turtles. Sea turtles also lack the clawed feet of those on the land. Their flippers, useful at sea, make it very difficult for them to travel on land. Sea turtles spend their entire life at sea. Only females swim to shore to lay their eggs. They dig deep nests, lay the eggs, cover them with sand and return to the ocean. Eventually the baby soft-shelled turtles hatch and begin the most dangerous journey of their lives to the sea.
Above: Scenes from a rescue... Don Lewis, rescue volunteer from WBWS, recovers a cold-stunned Kemp's ridley from the beach at Crosby Landing in Brewster
The life of the adult sea turtle is a precarious one at best. Unfortunately, we humans are one of their greatest enemies. Coastal development has had a negative impact on the nesting habits of sea turtles causing a marked decline in their numbers. The shrimping industry is a threat to leatherbacks and Kemp's ridleys. Carelessly discarded plastic (plastic bags and other refuse can resemble jellyfish; a favorite food) has had a crippling effect on the leatherback. Our chilly fall and winter waters can also prove harmful to sea turtles who are used to warmer waters.
But there is hope in the form of legislation and the work of area wildlife organizations. All of the species are protected by the Endangered Species Act. Legislation is being passed internationally to end the hunting of sea turtles for their meat, eggs, and shells. Turtle excluder devices or TEDs are becoming mandatory on shrimp nets (the devices allow the shrimp to flow into the net and allow the turtles to escape from the net).
Above: Bob Prescott, director of WBWS and Don Lewis, volunteer, rescue a Kemp's ridley around midnight in November of 1999. The two carried the turtle almost three miles back to the parking lot during snow and sleet showers. The turtle was later transported to the New England Aquarium in Boston.
The true guardians are the men and women who save and rehabilitate stranded sea turtles. Organizations such as the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (WBWS) are instrumental in assessing the condition of stranded turtles and seeing that they get the proper immediate care they require before they can be transported to the New England Aquarium in Boston. Staff members and volunteers are particularly busy in the fall and winter months when freezing temperatures send sea turtles ashore.
The National Marine Life Center (NMLC) in Buzzards Bay is also active in saving stranded animals. The center will be the future home of the country's first hospital and rehabilitation facility for stranded marine animals such as whales, dolphins, sea turtles and seals. Today, the center has exhibits focusing on endangered marine life and rescue procedures for stranded animals.
We can all do our part saving the sea turtle. If you see a stranded sea turtle, report it immediately to the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary or the National Marine Life Center. Even if the turtle is dead, an autopsy can reveal important clues about saving sea turtles. Also, be sure to dispose of all plastic refuse in proper waste receptacles. Every little bit will help save these graceful creatures.
- National Marine Life Center
120 Main Street Buzzards Bay (508) 743-9888
Exhibits open Monday-Saturday, 10am-6pm, Sunday, noon-6pm. - Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
Off Route 6 South Wellfleet (508) 349-2615
Monday-Sunday, 8:30am-5pm.
For more information on sea turtles, visit www.seaturtles.org.
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