Alert for sea turtles in distress in new jersey

The Marine Mammal Stranding Center (MMSC) in New Jersey has issued a warning regarding sea turtles facing cold-stunning due to recent cold-water upwelling affecting ocean temperatures. These unusual conditions, particularly noted in the southern part of the state, have dropped ocean temperatures to the upper 50’s and low 60’s, while Delaware Bay temperatures remain in the upper 70’s to low 80’s.

Sea turtles, which are reptiles, are highly susceptible to abrupt changes in water temperature. Exposure to water temperatures below 55 degrees can severely slow their metabolism, leading to immobility or a state that mimics death, known as cold-stunning. This condition can progressively worsen, impairing organ function and weakening the immune system.

The MMSC and the Sea Turtle Recovery organization are asking the public to help by watching for signs of distressed sea turtles. This includes turtles that may be stranded on beaches, floating immobile in the water, or entangled. If you spot a distressed sea turtle, it is crucial to contact the MMSC at 609-266-0538 or the Sea Turtle Recovery hotline at 609-667-4076 without attempting to intervene directly, as improper handling could cause further harm.

By sharing information and maintaining vigilance, the public can play a vital role in assisting these vulnerable marine creatures during their migratory journey through New Jersey waters.

Phil Stilton Latest posts

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

As founder of the publication, Stilton leads editorial strategy, investigative reporting, and daily newsroom operations while overseeing coverage that reaches millions of readers annually.

With extensive experience covering municipal government, county government, state legislatures, elections, law enforcement, emergency management, and public records, Stilton specializes in translating complex government actions into clear, factual reporting. His work frequently relies on primary source documents, including court filings, legislation, public meeting records, election finance disclosures, government databases, police reports, and Freedom of Information and Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests. He has reported extensively on local government accountability, taxpayer spending, campaign finance, public corruption investigations, infrastructure, public safety, and the policies affecting New Jersey residents.

Under Stilton's editorial leadership, Shore News Network has grown into one of New Jersey's largest independent digital news organizations, publishing thousands of original news articles each year while providing breaking news coverage, investigative reporting, and analysis across state and local government. The publication's reporting is routinely sourced from official government agencies, public officials, court records, and firsthand documentation, with a commitment to transparency, attribution, corrections when warranted, and clearly distinguishing factual reporting from opinion.

Stilton's journalism follows established newsroom standards emphasizing accuracy, verification, fairness, and accountability. Every effort is made to verify information through official records and multiple reliable sources before publication. His reporting is intended to provide readers with timely, well-documented information that helps them understand the issues affecting their communities, while maintaining editorial independence from political parties, government agencies, advocacy organizations, and commercial interests.

Readers can submit story tips, corrections, public records, or media inquiries through the official Shore News Network website or its verified social media channels. Shore News Network welcomes corrections and updates when new information becomes available as part of its ongoing commitment to accurate and transparent journalism.