More turtles ailing from cold spell brought to Clearwater aquarium

More than 20 sea turtles found suffering from the cold along Pinellas County beaches are being treated at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, bringing the total recovering there to 62.

Jeni Hatter, Clearwater aquarium spokeswoman, also said two more injured animals arrived from Dunedin this morning.

Statewide, about 2,000 sea turtles have been rescued in 11 counties, according to Carli Segelson, spokeswoman for the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Segelson said officials are hoping for a 70 percent survival rate from the turtles.

The Bay area's stretch of cold temperatures is taking a toll on the turtles. Six of the 14 animals that arrived at the Clearwater aquarium Monday have died.

"The water has been so cold for so long, some of the dead animals may not have washed up yet," Hatter said. "As time goes on, there may be more deceased turtles."

Sometimes people see the turtles washed onshore and assume the animals are dead, but Hatter said that may not be so.

Two of the turtles that arrived at the aquarium Monday were not responsive when examined but were doing fine hours later.

Hatter said when the water temperature drops below the turtles' normal body temperature the animals struggle.

When they arrive at the aquarium, the turtles are essentially in shock, she said. Blood samples are taken to provide a better idea of the turtles' condition.

Then they are placed overnight in "drydock," out of the water. The aquarium puts blankets and towels above and below the turtles, and the animals spend a day out of the water as staff members monitor them.

"The next day they are swimming normally," Hatter said.

Hatter emphasized the weather is just another hazard the turtles face; an estimated one of 1,000 make it to adulthood.

One of the interesting stories of the cold spell is that the lower temperatures are sending more Hawksbill sea turtles, common farther south, into the Tampa Bay area.

The aquarium has not seen many green loggerheads, she said, because they spend more time farther out at sea than other species.

Segelson said turtles have been picked up in the following counties: Bay, Brevard, Charlotte, Gulf, Indian River, Manatee, Martin, Monroe, Pinellas, St. Lucie and Sarasota.