The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) has reported a significant decrease in sea turtle strandings on Sanibel and Captiva in 2024, marking the lowest count in 15 years. Alongside its daily nesting surveys from April through October, SCCF actively responds to and documents all sea turtle strandings on the islands.
“Sea turtle strandings consist of both dead and live turtles, with the latter usually stranded due to an injury, illness, or other debilitating condition,” explained SCCF sea turtle biologist Jack Brzoza.
In 2024, SCCF recorded 17 total strandings, including two live turtles—a green sea turtle and a loggerhead—both of which were transported to Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium for rehabilitation. The remaining 15 strandings involved deceased turtles: 10 loggerheads, two green turtles, and two Kemp’s ridleys.
This count is well below the 15-year average of 33 annual strandings, excluding 2018, when a severe red tide event caused an unusually high number of cases.
Responding to Strandings
For live strandings, SCCF coordinates rescues and transport to nearby rehabilitation facilities, depending on the turtle’s condition and available resources. Deceased turtles undergo a full external examination before being removed and buried off-site in partnership with the city of Sanibel.
Some deceased turtles are also selected for necropsies or sample collection as part of research projects, conducted by either SCCF or Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) biologists.
“Stranding response plays a crucial role in sea turtle conservation,” Brzoza emphasized. “Tracking these events helps local, state, and national agencies monitor mortality trends, identify emerging threats, and shape conservation strategies.”
Cold-Stunning Events in Winter
During winter, some strandings are linked to cold-stunning events, where turtles become lethargic due to prolonged exposure to frigid water temperatures. Since sea turtles are ectotherms (cold-blooded), they rely on their surroundings—like water temperature and sunlight—to regulate body heat. When water temperatures drop below 50°F, turtles risk becoming cold-stunned and may float lifelessly at the surface or wash ashore.
In severe cases, turtles require rehabilitation and veterinary care to recover from cold-induced internal conditions. The 2010 cold-stunning event in Florida saw a mass rescue effort, with SCCF and conservation partners aiding in saving numerous affected turtles across Southwest Florida.
So far in 2025, SCCF has documented two strandings, both deceased.
Ongoing Conservation Efforts
Sea turtle monitoring and stranding response remain essential to understanding mortality trends and protecting sea turtle populations. The SCCF continues its mission to document, research, and respond to strandings while working to mitigate environmental threats to these marine creatures.
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