600 Florida green sea turtles stranded amid cold plunge
Phys.org
February 13, 2026
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Over 600 young green sea turtles have been stranded along Florida’s beaches this month due to an unexpected cold snap. The combination of chilly air and frigid waters has caused these juvenile turtles to become disoriented, forcing them to drift towards shore where they risk hypothermia and other life-threatening conditions. This unusual event highlights the vulnerability of marine life to sudden environmental changes, particularly for species like green sea turtles that are already facing challenges due to habitat loss and climate change.
The cold temperatures have led to a phenomenon known as "cold-stunning," which affects sea turtles by impairing their buoyancy and navigation abilities. Juvenile turtles are especially susceptible because they are smaller and less experienced in regulating their body temperatures. As a result, hundreds of these young turtles have washed ashore, with more reports coming in daily. Marine biologists and conservationists are working tirelessly to rescue and rehabilitate the stranded turtles, transporting them to warmer waters or rehabilitation centers where they can recover.
This situation underscores the delicate balance of marine ecosystems and how sensitive they are to climate variability. While green sea turtles are resilient creatures, extreme weather events like this cold plunge can have significant impacts on their survival rates, particularly for younger individuals who are still developing. The ongoing rescue efforts not only highlight the importance of conservation but also emphasize the need for greater awareness and protection of these endangered species.
From a scientific perspective, events like this serve as critical reminders of how climate change and environmental shifts can disrupt even the most adaptable marine life. The mass stranding of green sea turtles
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Originally published on Phys.org on 2/13/2026