Last Sea Turtle Release Of Season Unfolds In Hampton Bays

HAMPTON BAYS, NY — One of the most uplifting events on the East End during the summer months is attending a release at the beach, when sea turtles who were rescued are set free, ready to begin their next chapter.

Wednesday marked the final sea turtle release of the season at Tiana Beach in Hampton Bays, said Maxine Montello, rescue program director and New York State sea turtle co-coordinator for the New York Marine Rescue Center in Riverhead.

Five sea turtles that have been recently cleared by veterinarians are set for release, which is open to the public.

"In keeping with our botanical theme, on August 17 we will be releasing Buttercup, Juniper, Orchid, Sassafras and Tulip," Montello said. "All five stranded due to cold stunning — a phenomenon similar to hypothermia. These individuals have been receiving long-term rehabilitation for several months and are ready to head home back to the ocean."

During the months from November to January, the NYMRC responded to 20 sea turtles that stranded due to cold stunning, the organization said.

As a member of the Greater Atlantic Stranding Network, the organization was asked by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to also take additional turtles from other network partners in Massachusetts, Montello said.

"Due to limited rehabilitation space for sea turtles, we were part of three transfers that included 16 large loggerhead sea turtles and 15 critically endangered Kemps ridley sea turtles," she said.

Cold stunning is similar to hypothermia for sea turtles; cold stunning takes place when sea turtles are unable to migrate to warmer water before local water temperatures drop drastically – and sea turtles become lethargic and pushed to shore by strong winds, experts said.

The sea turtles are then brought to the NYMRC facility for an initial assessment and exam. Over the course of five days, NYMRC’s rescue team slowly raised the turtles' internal temperature no more than 2 to 4 degrees celsius a day, the group said.

"Once at optimal temperature, turtles will be placed in larger pools with fellow tank mates and food will be introduced. However, it is still a long road of antibiotics and treatments ahead for these turtles," NYMRC said. "The first five days are the most critical for sea turtles. The animal care staff closely monitor the sea turtles during this time. Care of these critical sea turtles is extensive and requires our staff to be extra attentive and hands on."

Cold stunned sea turtles stay at the NYMRC for about 242 days, typically being released in late July and early August. The average cost to rehabilitate one sea turtle is $10,000.

“NYMRC had another successful release season. These events showcase how important the work we do at NYMRC is by providing these animals with a second chance and returning to them home," Montello said.